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Song
Ellen G. White
1988
Copyright © 2014
Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.
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i
ii
Introduction
Ellen White’s formal education ended when she was only nine
years old, so she never had the privilege of studying under the speech
or voice professionals of her day. Nevertheless, taught by the Lord,
she became one of America’s outstanding women preachers. For
more than 70 years, long before the days of microphones and public
address systems, she spoke to large audiences of up to 20,000 people.
Always ready to speak, especially on the subject of temperance,
she declared, “When asked to speak on temperance, I have never hes-
itated” (MS. 31, 1911). Once she met the competition of Barnum’s
Circus in Battle Creek, Michigan, with a 90-minute temperance
lecture delivered to 5,000 eager listeners. She spoke in a city hall
in Haverhill, Massachusetts; in a prison in Salem, Oregon; on an
improvised platform composed of beer tables in Norway; and at
open-air meetings and in churches, halls, and tents on three con-
tinents. She was in constant demand as a camp meeting speaker.
Ellen White was a powerful evangelist.
Were it not for her books, Ellen White no doubt would be best
remembered today for her pulpit ministry. But she did more than
preach; she wrote— prolifically. Some 70 books currently carry her [6]
byline. Nearly all have sold in the tens of thousands, some even in
the millions. The present work joins this long line of best sellers. It
will be welcomed by ministers, teachers, musicians, and all others
who are especially concerned with the use of the voice.
The counsels published here are God-given; they are trustworthy
and reliable. This volume is sent forth with the prayer that it will
bring a blessing to all who seek to improve their voice talent for the
glory of God and the benefit of humanity.
iii
Contents
Information about this Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Section 1—A Gift From God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 1—A Heavenly Talent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter 2—Design for Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter 3—A Tool for Evangelism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Chapter 4—Importance of Speech Education . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 5—The Role of Parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Chapter 6—The Role of Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 7—Students and Speech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Chapter 8—The Influence of Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Chapter 9—Persuasion Through Speech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Chapter 10—Misuse of the Gift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Section 2—Christ the Ideal Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Chapter 11—Nature of His Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Chapter 12—Effectiveness of Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Chapter 13—Love, Sympathy, and Kindness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Chapter 14—Patient Calmness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Chapter 15—Simplicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Chapter 16—Power, Authority, and Earnestness . . . . . . . . . . 58
Chapter 17—Words of Truth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Chapter 18—No Complicated Reasoning nor Argument . . . 64
Chapter 19—Christ’s Study of Countenances . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Chapter 20—Adaptation to His Listeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Chapter 21—Illustrations, Symbols, and Figures of Speech 69
Chapter 22—The Worker’s Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Section 3—Christian Attitudes in Speaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Chapter 23—Revelation of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Chapter 24—Modesty, Truthfulness, and Discretion . . . . . . . 79
Chapter 25—Kinds of Negative Speaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Chapter 26—Love and Kindness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Chapter 27—Effect of Words on Oneself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Chapter 28—Discernment in Reproof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Chapter 29—Praise and Thanksgiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
iv
Contents v
Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
King Saul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Abigail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Elijah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Children of Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
John the Baptist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Mary, the Mother of Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
The Apostles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
John the Apostle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Peter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Stephen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Paul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Timothy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Chapter 62—Medieval Reformers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Wycliffe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Huss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Jerome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Luther . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
The Wesleys and Whitefield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Humble Men of Reformation Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Chapter 63—Adventist Pioneers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
William Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
James White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
W. W. Prescott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
God’s Modern Messenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Section 8—Use of the Voice in Singing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Chapter 64—The Power of Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Chapter 65—Christ’s Singing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Chapter 66—Voice Culture and Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Chapter 67—Wrong Use of the Voice in Music . . . . . . . . . . 271
Chapter 68—Singing That Is to God’s Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Chapter 69—Song a Part of Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Chapter 70—Singing a Means of Witness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Chapter 71—Singing in Israel’s Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Chapter 72—Song at Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension 297
Chapter 73—Song in the Last Great Crisis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Chapter 74—Songs of the Redeemed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Section 1—A Gift From God
Chapter 1—A Heavenly Talent
10
Chapter 2—Design for Communication 11
The Holy Spirit can make the tongue a savor of life unto life.—The
Review and Herald, May 12, 1910.
An Index of Character—Your words are an index of your char-
acter, and they will testify against you. Here we see the importance
of carefulness in the employment of speech. This talent is a great
power for good when it is used aright, but it is just as great a power
for evil when the words spoken are poisonous. If this talent is abused,
out of the heart proceed evil things. The words are either a savor of
life unto life or of death unto death....
Shall we not all, old and young, learn to converse in the language
that is spoken by those who are translated into God’s kingdom? Shall
not our words be such as will be heard with pleasure by our Heavenly
Father?
As those who claim to be Christians, we are under solemn obliga-
tions to reveal the truth of our profession by our words. The tongue
is a little member, but what an amount of good it can do if the heart
is pure! If the heart is stored with good things, if it is stored with
Christlike tenderness, sympathy, and politeness, this will be shown
by the words spoken and the actions performed. The light shining
from the Word of God is our guide. Nothing so weakens a church as
a wrong use of the talent of speech. We dishonor our Leader when
[21] our words are not such as should come from the lips of a Christian.
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it
is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good
pleasure” [Philippians 2:12, 13]. The quality of our works is shown
by our words. When our words and works harmonize in Christ, we
show that we are consecrated to God, perfecting holiness in His fear.
As we give ourselves, soul, body, and spirit, to Him, He works in us,
both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
The love of Christ in the heart is revealed by the expression of
praise. Those who are consecrated to God will show this by their
sanctified conversation. If their hearts are pure, their words will be
pure, showing an elevated principle working in a sanctified direction.
The mind will be absorbed in holy contemplation, and there will be
a sense of the presence of God.—The Review and Herald, January
18, 1898.
Means of Declaring God’s Love—Speech is a talent. Of all the
gifts bestowed on the human family, none should be more appreci-
Chapter 2—Design for Communication 13
19
20 The Voice in Speech and Song
in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks
to God and the Father by Him.”
This is the education we need in our schools. The hasty, reckless
use of the faculty of speech lies at the foundation of nearly all the
church troubles that exist. Evilspeaking should be dealt with as
a misdemeanor that is subject to church trial and separation from
church membership if persisted in; for the church cannot be set in
order in any other way.—Manuscript 74, 1897.
[32] Science of Conversation As Related to the Study of God’s
Word—Our education in regard to the science of conversation will
be in every way improved if we make the Word of God our study.
This branch of education has been woefully neglected. Many receive
diplomas from colleges who have not earned them by gaining an all-
round education. Teachers and pupils are apt to skip the important
matter of the education of speech. For want of training in this line,
students lose much. They go from school to be deficient all through
[33] their life experience.—Manuscript 74, 1897.
Chapter 5—The Role of Parents
upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little. Give
minds time to digest the truths you feed them. Children must be
drawn toward heaven, not rashly, but very gently.—Testimonies for
the Church 2:420.
Every Word Distinctly Spoken—The teacher of truth is to take
heed how he presents the truth. He is to speak every word plainly
and distinctly, with that earnest conviction which carries conviction
to hearts. If the words spoken are crowded upon each other, the
impression that should be made is lost. The talent of speech needs
to be cultivated, that the truth be spoken not excitedly, but slowly
and distinctly, that not a syllable may be lost.—The Southern Work,
October 27, 1903.
Correct Use of Language—One of the most essential qualifi-
cations of a teacher is the ability to speak and read distinctly and
forcibly. He who knows how to use the English language fluently
and correctly can exert a far greater influence than one who is unable
to express his thoughts readily and clearly.—Counsels to Parents,
Teachers, and Students, 216. [40]
Intelligent Articulation—The teacher should cultivate his pow-
ers, cultivate his speech so as to speak distinctly, giving intelligent
articulation.—Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 97.
Simplicity of Christ’s Words—The Pharisees scoffed at Christ;
they criticized the simplicity of His language, which was so plain that
the child, the aged, the common people heard Him gladly, and were
charmed by His words. The Sadducees also derided Him because
His discourses were so unlike anything delivered by their rulers and
scribes. Those Jewish teachers spoke in monotonous tones, and
the plainest and most precious scriptures were made uninteresting
and unintelligible, buried under such a mass of tradition and learned
lore that after the rabbis had spoken, the people knew less of the
meaning of the Scriptures than before they listened. There were
many souls starving for the Bread of Life, and Jesus fed them with
pure, simple truth. In His teaching He drew illustrations from the
things of nature and the common transactions of life, with which
they were familiar. Thus the truth became to them a living reality;
the scenes of nature and the affairs of daily life were ever repeating to
them the Saviour’s precious teachings. Christ’s manner of teaching
26 The Voice in Speech and Song
31
32 The Voice in Speech and Song
words. Do not exert an influence that will break the hold of any
trembling soul from God. Even though you are not treated as you
think you should be, do not allow the root of bitterness to spring
up; for thereby many will be defiled. By your words you may cause
others to become suspicious.—The Review and Herald, August 24,
1897.
Ruin of the Weak in the Faith—Do not allow the devil to use
your tongue and your voice to ruin those weak in the faith; for at the [58]
day of final reckoning God will call upon you to give an account of
your work.—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 3:1161.
Permanent Effect of Foolish Words—As professed Christians,
we should consider the influence our words have upon those with
whom we come into association, whether they are believers or unbe-
lievers. Our words are watched, and mischief is done by thoughtless
utterances. No after association with believers or unbelievers will
wholly counteract the unfavorable influence of thoughtless, foolish
words. Our words evidence the manner of food upon which the soul
feeds.—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 3:1159, 1160.
Power of Example—When a crisis comes in the life of any soul,
and you attempt to give counsel or admonition, your words will have
only the weight of influence for good that your own example and
spirit have gained for you.—Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing,
127. [59]
Chapter 9—Persuasion Through Speech
the prospect before them. The time in which we live calls for vital,
sanctified energy; for earnestness, zeal, and the tenderest sympathy
and love; for words that will not increase misery, but will inspire
faith and hope. We are homeward bound, seeking a better country,
even an heavenly. Instead of speaking words which will rankle in the
breasts of those that hear, shall we not speak of the love wherewith
God hath loved us? Shall we not try to lighten the hearts of those [61]
around us by words of Christlike sympathy?—Our High Calling,
295.
A Reservoir of Persuasion—A conscience void of offense to-
ward God and man, a heart that feels the tenderest sympathy for
human beings, especially that they may be won for Christ, will have
the attributes that Christ had. All such will be imbued with His
Spirit. They will have a reservoir of persuasion and a storehouse of
simple eloquence.—Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers,
120.
Weight of Evidence—God is presenting to the minds of men
divinely appointed precious gems of truth, appropriate for our
time. God has rescued these truths from the companionship of
error, and has placed them in their proper framework. When these
truths are given their rightful position in God’s great plan, when
they are presented intelligently and earnestly, and with reveren-
tial awe, by the Lord’s servants, many will conscientiously believe
because of the weight of evidence, without waiting for every sup-
posed difficulty which may suggest itself to their minds, to be re-
moved.—Evangelism, 122.
Greatest Rebuke to Error—People cannot be expected to see
at once the advantage of truth over the error they have cherished.
The best way to expose the fallacy of error is to present the evidences
of truth. This is the greatest rebuke that can be given to error. Dispel
the cloud of darkness resting on minds by reflecting the bright light [62]
of the Sun of Righteousness.—Evangelism, 170.
Reasoning From the Scriptures—It is not excitement we wish
to create, but deep, earnest consideration, that those who hear shall
do solid work, real, sound, genuine work that will be enduring as
eternity. We hunger not for excitement, for the sensational; the less
we have of this, the better. The calm, earnest reasoning from the
Scriptures is precious and fruitful. Here is the secret of success,
40 The Voice in Speech and Song
good treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good things: and an evil
man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” What a flood
of evil and rubbish flows forth because of the talent of speech. And
how many are denying Christ by their speech! Instead of making a
good confession of Christ by their manner of conversation they say,
“I know not the Man.” It is easy enough to have a form of godliness;
but to make a whole-sided confession of our faith in Christ, means
[66] that our words, and dress, and spirit shall testify to the fact.—Lt 19,
1897.
Frivolous Conversation—Cultivate the precious gift of speech
as an agency entrusted to you by God. Do not introduce frivolous,
nonsensical subjects of conversation. Talk so that minds not of
our faith will receive the impression that sound speech and sound
principles have been brought into your education. “Ye are the light
of the world.” Who are thus honored? All who have improved
their opportunities to learn how to serve the Lord in the gift of
speech.—Manuscript 93, 1901.
Jesting and Joking—It is the duty of the youth to encourage
sobriety. Lightness, jesting, and joking will result in barrenness of
soul and the loss of the favor of God. Many of you do not exert a bad
influence upon others, and thus feel in a measure satisfied; but do
you exert an influence for good? Do you seek in your conversation
and acts to lead others to the Saviour, or, if they profess Christ, to
lead them to a closer walk with Him?—Testimonies for the Church
2:236, 237.
Cheap Talk—My young friends, will you begin your Christian
life as those whose hearts are warmed with the love of Jesus? You
will never know how much good you may do by speaking tenderly
sensible, serious words regarding their souls’ salvation to those who
do not claim to be children of God. On the other hand, you may
[67] never know until the judgment how many opportunities to be Christ’s
witnesses you have left unimproved. You may never know in this
world the mischief you have done to some soul by your little acts of
frivolity, your cheap talk, your levity, which was wholly inconsistent
with your holy faith.—Messages to Young People, 201.
Scathing Remarks—An indwelling Saviour is revealed by the
words. But the Holy Spirit does not abide in the heart of him who is
peevish if others do not agree with his ideas and plans. From the lips
Chapter 10—Misuse of the Gift 43
of such a man there come scathing remarks, which grieve the Spirit
away, and develop attributes that are satanic rather than divine. The
Lord desires those connected with His work to speak at all times
with the meekness of Christ. If you are provoked, do not become
impatient. Manifest the gentleness of which Christ has given us an
example in His life.
As Christians we should speak as Christ would speak were He in
our place. We long to see reforms, but often because things do not
move just as we wish them to move, an evil spirit puts drops of gall
into our cup, and other souls are poisoned. By our ill-advised words
they are chafed and stirred to rebellion. Make it your aim to speak
the truth in love. Then the Lord Jesus by His Spirit will supply the
force and power. Do not mingle self with anything done for God.
Ever reveal the meek and lowly spirit of the Master.—The Review
and Herald, April 9, 1901. [68]
[69]
[70]
[71]
44 The Voice in Speech and Song
Section 2—Christ the Ideal Speaker
Chapter 11—Nature of His Voice
49
50 The Voice in Speech and Song
54
Chapter 15—Simplicity
and cheerful, that His hearers were charmed. The simplicity and
earnestness with which He addressed the needy, hallowed every
word.—The Ministry of Healing, 23, 24.
Spiritual Truth Simply Told—Christ never flattered men. He
never spoke that which would exalt their fancies and imaginations,
nor did He praise them for their clever inventions; but deep, un-
prejudiced thinkers received His teaching and found that it tested
[86] their wisdom. They marveled at the spiritual truth expressed in the
simplest language.—The Desire of Ages, 254.
Truth Clear Even to a Child—The words of life were pre-
sented in such simplicity that a child could understand them. Men,
women, and children were so impressed with His manner of ex-
plaining the Scriptures that they would catch the very intonation of
His voice, place the same emphasis on their words, and imitate His
gestures.—Counsels on Health, 498, 499.
Simplest Terms and Plainest Symbols—The Saviour came “to
preach the gospel to the poor.” Luke 4:18. In His teaching He used
the simplest terms and the plainest symbols. And it is said that “the
common people heard Him gladly.” Mark 12:37. Those who are
seeking to do His work for this time need a deeper insight into the
lessons He has given.—The Ministry of Healing, 443.
As the Balm of Gilead—The people listened to the words of
mercy flowing so freely from the lips of the Son of God. They heard
the gracious words, so simple and so plain that they were as the
balm of Gilead to their souls.—The Desire of Ages, 365.
Forcible, but Simple Language—Christ reached the people
where they were. He presented the plain truth to their minds in
the most forcible, simple language. The humble poor, the most
unlearned, could comprehend, through faith in Him, the most ex-
[87] alted truths. No one needed to consult the learned doctors as to His
meaning. He did not perplex the ignorant with mysterious infer-
ences or use unaccustomed and learned words, of which they had
no knowledge. The greatest Teacher the world has ever known, was
the most definite, simple, and practical in His instruction.—Gospel
Workers, 49, 50.
Great Moral Truths in Freshness and Power—Jesus, the
great Teacher, laid open in the simplest language, the great moral
Chapter 15—Simplicity 57
64
Chapter 19—Christ’s Study of Countenances
65
66 The Voice in Speech and Song
reached the soul; and there vibrated in His heart the answering chord
[101] of sympathetic joy.—Education, 231.
Chapter 20—Adaptation to His Listeners
67
68 The Voice in Speech and Song
The birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the sower and the seed,
the shepherd and the sheep—with these Christ illustrated immortal
truth. He drew illustrations also from the events of life, facts of
experience familiar to the hearers—the leaven, the hid treasure, the
pearl, the fishing net, the lost coin, the prodigal son, the houses on
the rock and the sand. In His lessons there was something to interest
every mind, to appeal to every heart.—Education, 102.
[106] Carefully Chosen Locales for Discourses—The Redeemer of
the world sought to make His lessons of instruction plain and simple,
that all might comprehend them. He generally chose the open air for
His discourses. No walls could enclose the multitude which followed
Him; but He had special reasons for resorting to the groves and the
seaside to give His lessons of instruction. He could there have a
commanding view of the landscape and make use of objects and
scenes with which those in humble life were familiar, to illustrate
the important truths He made known to them.
With His lessons of instruction He associated the works of God
in nature. The birds which were caroling forth their songs without a
care, the flowers of the valley glowing in their beauty, the lily that
reposed in its purity upon the bosom of the lake, the lofty trees, the
cultivated land, the waving grain, the barren soil, the tree that bore
no fruit, the everlasting hills, the bubbling stream, the setting sun,
tinting and gilding the heavens—all these He employed to impress
His hearers with divine truth. He connected the works of God’s
finger in the heavens and upon the earth with the words of life He
wished to impress upon their minds, that, as they should look upon
the wonderful works of God in nature, His lessons might be fresh in
their memories.—Testimonies for the Church 2:579, 580.
From the Known to the Unknown—In His teaching, Christ
drew His illustrations from the great treasury of household ties and
affections, and from nature. The unknown was illustrated by the
[107] known; sacred and divine truths, by natural, earthly things, with
which the people were most familiar. These were the things that
would speak to their hearts, and make the deepest impression on
their minds.
The words of Christ placed the teachings of nature in a new
aspect and made them a new revelation. He could speak of the
things which His own hands had made, for they had qualities and
Chapter 21—Illustrations, Symbols, and Figures of Speech 71
76
Chapter 23—Revelation of Christ 77
79
80 The Voice in Speech and Song
81
82 The Voice in Speech and Song
draw nigh to every soul that will draw nigh to Him. But the Spirit
of God will depart from those who leave the presence of God,
and enter into vain conversation, speaking many words that are
of no weight or purpose. The spiritual experience of such will stop
abruptly.—Manuscript 74, 1897.
A Stumbling Block to Sinners—This spirit of jesting and jok-
[128] ing, of lightness and trifling, is a stumbling block to sinners and a
worse stumbling block to those who give way to the inclination of
the unsanctified heart.—Evangelism, 641.
Gossip and Nonsense—The giddy laugh, the jesting, the joking,
sickens the soul that is feeding on Christ. Cheap, foolish talk is
painful to Him. With a humble heart read carefully 1 Peter 1:13-
18. Those who enjoy talking should see that their words are select
and well chosen. Be careful how you speak. Be careful how you
represent the religion you have accepted. You may feel it no sin to
gossip and talk nonsense, but this grieves your Saviour, and saddens
the heavenly angels.—Fundamentals of Christian Education, 457.
Vain Conversation—Listen to the vain, frivolous conversation;
hear the laugh, the jesting, the joking. Is this imitating the Pattern?
Still listen—is Jesus mentioned? Is the truth the theme of conversa-
tion? Are the speakers glorying in the cross of Christ?—Testimonies
for the Church 1:505.
Exaggerated Speech—Our thoughts produce our words and our
words react upon our thoughts. If a man forms the habit of using
sacred words reverently, he will form the custom of carefulness of
speech, knowing that there is a Witness to every word uttered. When
the feelings become excited and the speech is exaggerated, the mode
of speaking is always extreme. It acts and reacts upon ourselves.
The Word declares, “By thy words thou shalt be justified, and
[129] by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:37. If our
words act upon ourselves they act more powerfully upon others.
There is great mischief done by words spoken. God alone knows
and measures the result of a careless, exaggerated mode of speaking.
There is much swearing done in spirit.—That I May Know Him,
137.
Meaningless Phrases and Expletives—God’s Word condemns
also the use of those meaningless phrases and expletives that border
on profanity. It condemns the deceptive compliments, the evasions
Chapter 25—Kinds of Negative Speaking 85
improvement. The less we criticize others, the greater will be our in-
fluence over them for good. To many, frequent, positive admonitions
will do more harm than good. Let Christlike kindness be enjoined
upon all.—Medical Ministry 208, 209.
A Cure for Sickness and Grief—The Lord Jesus wants us to
bear a pleasant countenance, and to speak kind, sympathetic words.
Even if we are sick, or if we feel out of sorts, we need not tell others.
If we will talk of the goodness of the Lord, this will act as a cure for [133]
sadness and grief.—Manuscript 39, 1908.
God’s Word a Guide for Daily Speech—Our words, whether
we are in the home or associating with those outside the home, will
be kind and affectionate and pure. If we study the Word, and make
it a part of our lives, as represented by the words, “Eating the Word,”
we shall have a wholesome experience, which will always speak
forth the truth. We shall search our hearts diligently, comparing our
daily speech and tenor of work with the Word, that we may make no
mistake.—Manuscript 3, 1906.
Outward Expression of Inward Grace—The chief requisite
of language is that it be pure and kind and true—“the outward ex-
pression of an inward grace.” ... The best school for this language
study is the home.
Kind words are as dew and gentle showers to the soul. The
Scripture says of Christ that grace was poured into His lips, that He
might “know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.”
And the Lord bids us, “Let your speech be alway with grace,” “that
it may minister grace unto the hearers.”—The Adventist Home, 435.
Courteous Christians—Christians are elevated in their conver-
sation; and although they believe it to be sin to condescend to foolish
flattery, they are courteous, kind, and benevolent. Their words are
those of sincerity and truth.—Messages to Young People, 349. [134]
Pleasure Provided by God—God has provided for everyone
pleasure that may be enjoyed by rich and poor alike—the pleasure
found in cultivating pureness of thought and unselfishness of ac-
tion, the pleasure that comes from speaking sympathizing words
and doing kindly deeds. From those who perform such service,
the light of Christ shines to brighten lives darkened by many sor-
rows.—Testimonies for the Church 9:57.
88 The Voice in Speech and Song
97
98 The Voice in Speech and Song
99
100 The Voice in Speech and Song
A Healing Balm—There are souls who err, and who feel their
shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement.
They look upon their mistakes and errors until they are almost driven
to desperation. Instead of ... reproving and condemning and taking
away the last ray of hope that the Sun of Righteousness sheds into
their hearts, let your words fall as healing balm upon the bruised soul.
Be not like desolating hail that beats down and destroys the tender
hope springing up in the hearts. Leave not the hungry, starving
soul in his helplessness to perish because you fail to speak words of
tenderness and encouragement.—Our High Calling, 295.
Encouragement for the Angels—Words of cheer and encour-
agement spoken when the soul is sick and the pulse of courage is
low—these are regarded by the Saviour as if spoken to Himself. As
hearts are cheered, the heavenly angels look on in pleased recogni-
tion.—The Ministry of Healing, 159.
[156] Brave, Hopeful Words—There is many a brave soul sorely
pressed by temptation, almost ready to faint in the conflict with
self and with the powers of evil. Do not discourage such a one in
his hard struggle. Cheer him with brave, hopeful words that shall
urge him on his way. Thus the light of Christ may shine from you.
“None of us liveth to himself.” Romans 14:7. By our unconscious
influence others may be encouraged and strengthened, or they may
be discouraged and repelled from Christ and the truth.—Steps to
Christ, 120.
No Doubt nor Discouragement—Make it a rule never to utter
one word of doubt or discouragement. You can do much to brighten
the life of others and strengthen their efforts, by words of hope and
holy cheer.—Steps to Christ, 119, 120.
Nothing Cheap nor Common—Let us educate the tongue to
speak right words—words that will encourage and strengthen our
fellow men. Let us talk of goodness, and mercy, and the love of
102
Chapter 31—Hope and Encouragement 103
God. Put away all unbelieving words, and all that is cheap and
common.—The Review and Herald, March 28, 1899.
Inspiration Through a Holy Boldness—Let the tongue be in-
spired with a holy boldness to speak words of encouragement, words
that will arouse and strengthen souls to break the bands of indolence
and security that bind them in uncertainty.—Lt 151, 1903.
Parrot-like Repetitions—You cannot reach hearts with a mere [157]
form of words, a parrot-like repetition of set phrases. What you
say must be the expression of a personal experience. If you cheer
hearts with words of courage and hope, it will be because the grace
and love of God are to you a living reality. It is God’s impress that
these souls are to receive, not your own. But if the worker has not
himself been refined, transformed, he cannot present the truth with
a freshness, a force, a power, that awakens responsive feelings in
those who hear the word of life.—The Review and Herald, April 12,
1892.
Words of Cheer—The wails of a world’s sorrow are heard all
around us. Sin is pressing its shadow upon us, and our minds must
be ready for every good word and work. We know that we have the
presence of Jesus. The sweet influence of His Holy Spirit is teaching
and guiding our thoughts, leading us to speak words that will cheer
and brighten the pathway of others.—Testimonies for the Church
6:115.
Pleasant, Agreeable Tones—We are to speak words that will
comfort and encourage. Brethren and sisters, train yourselves to
speak in pleasant, agreeable tones. It does no harm, but good, to
speak kindly, but to speak discourteously and roughly drives the holy
angels away in sadness.—The Review and Herald, June 15, 1905.
As a Nail in a Sure Place—Great thoughts, noble aspirations,
clear perceptions of truth, unselfish purposes, yearnings for piety
and holiness, will find expression in words that reveal the character [158]
of the heart treasure.
Those with whom we associate day by day need our help, our
guidance. They may be in such a condition of mind that a word
spoken in season will be as a nail in a sure place.—Prophets and
Kings, 348.
Seeds of Doubt a Service of Satan—Let us guard against speak-
ing words that discourage. Let us resolve never to engage in evils-
104 The Voice in Speech and Song
106
Chapter 32—Faith a Topic of Conversation 107
our lips, for these things give Satan great advantage.—The Review
and Herald, May 13, 1884.
Windows Open Toward Heaven—The more you talk faith, the
more faith you will have. The more you dwell upon discouragement,
talking to others about your trials, and enlarging upon them, to enlist
the sympathy which you crave, the more discouragements and trials
you will have. Why mourn over that which we cannot avoid? God
is inviting us to close the windows of the soul earthward and open
them heavenward that He may flood our hearts with the glory which
is shining across the threshold of heaven.—Mind, Character, and
Personality 2:579. [164]
Difficulties a Subject for Thanks—When someone asks how
you are feeling, do not try to think of something mournful to tell in
order to gain sympathy. Do not talk of your lack of faith and your
sorrows and sufferings. The tempter delights to hear such words.
When talking on gloomy subjects, you are glorifying him. We are
not to dwell on the great power of Satan to overcome us. Often we
give ourselves into his hands by talking of his power.
Let us talk instead of the great power of God to bind up all our
interests with His own. Tell of the matchless power of Christ, and
speak of His glory. All heaven is interested in our salvation. The
angels of God, thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times
ten thousand, are commissioned to minister to those who shall be
heirs of salvation. They guard us against evil and press back the
powers of darkness that are seeking our destruction. Have we not
reason to be thankful every moment, thankful even when there are
apparent difficulties in our pathway?—The Ministry of Healing, 253,
254. [165]
Chapter 33—Simplicity in Our Speech
“Learn to meet the people where they are. Do not present sub-
jects that will arouse controversy. Let not your instruction be of a
character to perplex the mind. Do not cause the people to worry over
things which you may understand but which they do not see, unless
these are of vital consequence to the saving of the soul. Do not
present the Scriptures in a way to exalt self and encourage vainglory [170]
in the one who opens the Word. The work for this time is to train
students and workers to deal with subjects in a plain, serious, and
solemn manner.”—Testimonies for the Church 6:58, 59.
Spiritual Disease—All the sang-froid which is so common, the
theatrical gestures, all lightness and trifling, all jesting and joking,
must be seen by the one who wears Christ’s yoke to be “not conve-
nient”—an offense to God and a denial of Christ.
It unfits the mind for solid thought and solid labor. It makes men
inefficient, superficial, and spiritually diseased.—Evangelism, 644. [171]
[172]
[173]
112 The Voice in Speech and Song
Section 4—Voice Culture
Chapter 34—Importance of the Subject
114
Chapter 34—Importance of the Subject 115
119
120 The Voice in Speech and Song
the chair when they address God. Let them lift up their heads and
with holy awe speak to their heavenly Father, uttering their words in
tones that can be heard.
Parents, train yourselves to speak in a way that will be a blessing
to your children. Women need to be educated in this respect. Even
the busy mothers, if they will, can cultivate the talent of speech and
can teach their children to read and speak correctly. They can do this
while they go about their work. It is never too late for us to improve.
God calls upon parents to bring all the perfection possible into the
home circle.—Testimonies for the Church 6:381, 382.
Musical Voices—Those who open the oracles of God to the
people should improve in their manner of communicating the truth,
that it may be presented to the world in an acceptable way. Place
proper emphasis upon the words that should be made impressive.
Speak slowly. Let the voice be as musical as possible.
God desires His ministers to seek for perfection, that they may
be vessels unto honor. They are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit;
and when they speak, they are to show an energy proportionate to the
importance of the subject they are presenting. They are to show that
the power about which they speak has made a change in their lives. [185]
When they are truly united with Christ, they will give the heavenly
invitation with an earnestness that will impress hearts. As they
manifest zeal in proclaiming the gospel message, a corresponding
earnestness will be produced in the hearers, and lasting impressions
for good will be made.—The Review and Herald, January 14, 1902.
Truth as Manna From Heaven—The truth should be spoken
clearly, slowly, forcibly, that it may impress the hearer. When the
truth in any line is presented it is essential for it to be understood,
that all its precious food, the bread of life, the manna from heaven,
may be received.—Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers,
257.
Destruction of Body Organs—Many who might be useful men
are using up their vital force and destroying their lungs and vocal
organs by their manner of speaking. Some ministers have acquired
a habit of hurriedly rattling off what they have to say, as though
they had a lesson to repeat, and were hastening through it as fast
as possible. This is not the best manner of speaking. By using
proper care, every minister can educate himself to speak distinctly
122 The Voice in Speech and Song
in the cause of God. The more expression you can put into words
of truth, the more effective these words will be on those who hear.
A proper presentation of the Lord’s truth is worthy of our highest
efforts. Let the students in training for the Master’s service make
determined efforts to learn to speak correctly and forcibly, in order
that when conversing with others in regard to the truth, or when
engaged in public ministry, they may properly present the truths of
heavenly origin.—Evangelism, 666.
Distinctness in Every Word—When you speak, let every word
be full and well-rounded, every sentence clear and distinct to the
very last word. Many as they approach the end of a sentence lower
the tone of the voice, speaking so indistinctly that the force of
the thought is destroyed. Words that are worth speaking at all are
worth speaking in a clear, distinct voice, with emphasis and expres-
sion.—Testimonies for the Church 6:383. [188]
Angel Voices in Union With Human Voices—Let the voices
of the followers of Christ be so trained that instead of crowding
words together in a thick, indistinct way, their utterance may be
clear, forcible, and edifying. Do not let the voice fall after each
word, but keep it up so that each sentence will be full and complete.
Will it not be worth disciplining yourself, if by so doing you are able
to add interest to the service of God and to edify His children? The
voice of thanksgiving, praise, and rejoicing is heard in heaven. The
voices of the angels in heaven unite with the voices of the children of
God on earth as they ascribe honor and glory and praise to God and
to the Lamb for the great salvation provided.—Counsels to Parents,
Teachers, and Students, 246.
Uncomely Gestures, Uncouth Speech—The workman for God
should make earnest efforts to become a representative of Christ,
discarding all uncomely gestures and uncouth speech. He should
endeavor to use correct language. There is a large class who are
careless in the way they speak, yet by careful, painstaking attention
these may become representatives of the truth. Every day they should
make advancement. They should not detract from their usefulness
and influence by cherishing defects of manner, tone, or language.
Common, cheap expressions should be replaced by sound, pure
words. By constant watchfulness and earnest discipline the Christian
youth may keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile. [189]
124 The Voice in Speech and Song
might have lived had they been taught how to use the voice correctly.
The right use of the abdominal muscles in reading and speaking will
prove a remedy for many voice and chest difficulties, and the means
of prolonging life.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,
297.
Preservation of Strength in Prayer—I saw that some of our
ministers do not understand how to preserve their strength so as
to be able to perform the greatest amount of labor without exhaus-
tion. Ministers should not pray so loud and long as to exhaust their
strength. It is not necessary to weary the throat and lungs in prayer.
[197] God’s ear is ever open to hear the heartfelt petitions of His humble
servants, and He does not require them to wear out the organs of
speech in addressing Him. It is the perfect trust, the firm reliance,
the steady claiming of the promises of God, the simple faith that He
is, and that He is a rewarder of all those who diligently seek Him,
that prevails with God.—Testimonies for the Church 1:645.
Influence of Right Teaching—Our institutions of learning
should be provided with every facility for instruction regarding the
mechanism of the human system. Students should be taught how to
breathe, how to read and speak so that the strain will not come on
the throat and lungs, but on the abdominal muscles. Teachers need
to educate themselves in this direction. Our students should have
a thorough training, that they may enter upon active life with an
intelligent knowledge of the habitation which God has given them.
Teach them that they must be learners as long as they live. And
while you are teaching them, remember that they will teach others.
Your lesson will be repeated for the benefit of many more than sit
before you day by day.—Fundamentals of Christian Education, 147,
148.
Overexertion of Vocal Organs—Long and violent exercise of
the vocal organs has irritated his [Brother D’s] throat and lungs, and
injured his general health, more than his precise round of rules for
eating and resting have benefited him. One overexertion or strain
of the vocal organs may not soon be recovered from, and may cost
[198] the life of the speaker. A calm, unhurried, yet earnest, manner of
speaking, will have a better influence upon a congregation than to
let the feelings become excited and control the voice and manners.
As far as possible the speaker should preserve the natural tones
Chapter 37—Proper Use of the Voice 129
of the voice. It is the truth presented that affects the heart. If the
speaker makes these truths a reality, he will, with the aid of the
Spirit of God, be able to impress the hearers with the fact that he
is in earnest, without straining the fine organs of the throat or the
lungs.—Testimonies for the Church 2:672.
Channel for the Voice—Brother A, your love for reading and
your dislike for physical taxation, while talking and exercising your
throat, make you liable to disease of the throat and lungs. You should
be guarded and should not speak hurriedly, rattling off what you
have to say as though you had a lesson to repeat. You should not let
the labor come upon the upper portion of the vocal organs, for this
will constantly wear and irritate them, and will lay the foundation
for disease. The action should come upon the abdominal muscles.
The lungs and throat should be the channel, but should not do all the
work.—Testimonies for the Church 3:311.
Exercise After Eating—There are men and women of excellent
natural ability who do not accomplish half what they might if they
would exercise self-control in the denial of appetite.
Many writers and speakers fail here. After eating heartily, they
give themselves to sedentary occupations, reading, study, or writing, [199]
allowing no time for physical exercise. As a consequence the free
flow of thought and words is checked. They cannot write or speak
with the force and intensity necessary in order to reach the heart;
their efforts are tame and fruitless.—The Ministry of Healing, 308,
309.
Help for Patients—Plans should be devised for keeping patients
out of doors. For those who are able to work, let some pleasant, easy
employment be provided. Show them how agreeable and helpful
this outdoor work is. Encourage them to breathe the fresh air. Teach
them to breathe deeply, and in breathing and speaking to exercise
the abdominal muscles.—The Ministry of Healing, 264, 265.
Correct Speaking a Healthful Exercise—The exercise of the
voice in speaking is a healthful exercise. Teach and live carefully.
Hold firmly to the position that all, even our leading men, need to
exercise good common sense in the care of their health, securing
equal taxation of the body and the brain.—Medical Ministry 264,
265.
130 The Voice in Speech and Song
Words, Few but Earnest—A true educator will carry the minds
of his hearers with him. His words will be few but earnest. Coming
from the heart, they will be full of sympathy, and warm with the
love for precious souls.—Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 167.
Dangers of Long Words—In every school the instruction given
should be as easy to understand as was that given by Christ. The
use of long words confuses the mind and eclipses the beauty of
the thought presented. There is need of teachers who will come
close to their students and who will give clear, definite instruction,
illustrating spiritual things by the things of nature and by the familiar
events of everyday experience.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and
Students, 261.
Use of the Gospel Net—The Lord wishes you to learn how
to use the gospel net. Many need to learn this art. In order for
you to be successful in your work, the meshes of your net—the
application of the Scriptures—must be close, and the meaning easily
discerned. Then make the most of drawing in the net. Come right
[215] to the point. Make your illustrations self-evident. However great a
man’s knowledge, it is of no avail unless he is able to communicate
it to others. Let the pathos of your voice, its deep feeling, make its
impression on hearts. Urge your students to surrender themselves to
God....
Make your explanations clear; for I know that there are many
who do not understand many of the things said to them. Let the
Holy Spirit mold and fashion your speech, cleansing it from all
dross. Speak as little children, remembering that there are many
well advanced in years who are but little children in understand-
ing.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 253, 254.
Close Application and Hard Study—To learn how to open the
Scriptures to others in an acceptable manner, means close application
and hard study. This is necessary in order to give a connected
138
Chapter 39—Simplicity and Clarity 139
the words you speak will be wise and holy words. Then you will
have wisdom to know what to say and what to leave unsaid. You will
not try to reveal your smartness as theologians. You will be careful
not to arouse a combative spirit or excite prejudice by introducing
controverted points of doctrine. You will find enough to talk about
that will not excite opposition, but that will open the heart to desire
a deeper knowledge of God’s Word.—Testimonies for the Church
6:325.
[224] No Haphazard Words—God’s representatives upon earth
should be in daily communion with Him. Their words should be
select, their speech sound. The haphazard words frequently used by
ministers who preach not the gospel in sincerity should be forever
discarded.—Testimonies for the Church 2:707.
Sound Speech—It becomes every minister of Christ to use
sound speech, which cannot be condemned.—Testimonies for the
Church 2:709.
Students’ Preparation as Public Speakers—Students should
be qualified to speak in an acceptable manner before congregations;
and they should therefore train themselves to use pure, simple lan-
guage, and to follow the best methods of speaking. Much attention
should be given to the practice of reading with full, clear voice and
distinct utterance, giving the proper emphasis to each word....
All can communicate, if they will, the grand yet simple truths re-
garding the mission and work of Christ. If they seek the Lord daily in
earnest prayer, they will understand how to meet the people as Christ
met them, adapting the instruction to their varied circumstances and
understanding. The spiritual lessons regarding the kingdom of God,
they should illustrate by the natural things with which their hearers
are familiar. Then, as these natural objects are seen, day by day,
the lesson of truth will be repeated to the mind.—The Review and
[225] Herald, October 4, 1898.
Chapter 41—Earnestness and Assurance
majesty.” With just as much assurance you may declare the message
of God’s truth. Those who believe sacred, eternal truth, must put
their whole soul into their efforts. We must be stirred to the very
heart as we behold the fulfilling of prophecy in the closing scenes of
this earth’s history. As our vision extends still further into the glories
of eternity—the coming of Christ with power and great glory, and
the scenes of the great day of judgment—we should not remain tame
and unmoved. “I saw the dead,” John says, “stand before God; and
the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the
[227] Book of Life: and the dead were judged out of those things which
were written in the books, according to their works.”—Lt 8, 1895.
Enthusiasm in Things Real and Imaginary—On a certain oc-
casion, when Betterton, the celebrated actor, was dining with Dr.
Sheldon, archbishop of Canterbury, the archbishop said to him,
“Pray, Mr. Betterton, tell me why it is that you actors affect your
audiences so powerfully by speaking of things imaginary.”
“My lord,” replied Betterton, “with due submission to Your
Grace, permit me to say that the reason is plain: It all lies in the
power of enthusiasm. We on the stage speak of things imaginary
as if they were real, and you in the pulpit speak of things real as if
they were imaginary.”—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,
255.
The Minister a Messenger from God—The minister who has
learned of Christ will ever be conscious that he is a messenger of
God, commissioned by Him to do a work the influence of which is
to endure throughout eternity. It should not be any part of his object
to call attention to himself, his learning, or his ability. His whole
aim should be to bring sinners to repentance, pointing them, by both
precept and example, to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of
the world. He should speak as one conscious of possessing power
and authority from God. His discourses should have an earnestness,
a fervor, a power of persuasion, that will lead sinners to take refuge
[228] in Christ.—Gospel Workers, 172, 173.
Irresistible Power to Move Hearts—The very tones of the
voice, the look, the words, should possess an irresistible power
to move hearts and control minds. Jesus should be found in the heart
of the minister. If Jesus is in the words and in the tones of the voice,
if they are mellow with His tender love, it will prove a blessing of
Chapter 41—Earnestness and Assurance 147
more value than all the riches, pleasures, and glories of the earth;
for such blessings will not come and go without accomplishing a
work.—Testimonies for the Church 3:32.
Living Earnestness—It is living earnestness that God requires.
Ministers may have little learning from books; but if they do the best
they can with their talents, if they work as they have opportunity,
if they clothe their utterances in the plainest and most simple lan-
guage, if they are humble men who walk in carefulness and humility,
seeking for heavenly wisdom, working for God from the heart, and
actuated by one predominating motive—love for Christ and the souls
for whom He has died—they will be listened to by men of even su-
perior ability and talents. There will be a charm in the simplicity of
the truths they present. Christ is the greatest Teacher that the world
has ever known.—Selected Messages 2:152.
Energy in the Presentation of the Bible—We must cultivate
an abiding sense of our own inefficiency and helplessness and rely
wholly on Jesus. This should keep us individually calm and stead-
fast in words and deportment. Excitement in the speaker is not
power but weakness. Earnestness and energy are essential in pre- [229]
senting Bible truth, the gospel, which is the power of God unto
salvation.—Selected Messages 2:59.
Size of Audience Not Most Important—Remember that you
are cooperating with divine agencies—agencies that never fail.
Speak with as much earnestness, faith, and interest as if there were
thousands present to listen to your voice.—Gospel Workers, 167
Decided, Stirring Tones—To every nation, kindred, tongue,
and people the tidings of pardon through Christ are to be carried.
Not with tame, lifeless utterances is the message to be given, but
with clear, decided, stirring utterances. Hundreds are waiting for the
warning to escape for their lives.—Gospel Workers, 29.
Positive Presentations—Cultivate earnestness and positiveness
in addressing the people. Your subject matter may be excellent,
and just what the people need, but you would do well to mingle a
positiveness with persuasive entreaties....
Present the plain “Thus saith the Lord” with authority, and exalt
the wisdom of God in the written Word. Bring the people to a
decision; keep the voice of the Bible ever before them. Tell them you
speak that which you do know, and testify that which is truth, because
148 The Voice in Speech and Song
God has spoken it. Let your preaching be short and right to the point,
and then at the proper time call for a decision. Do not present the
truth in a formal manner, but let the heart be vitalized by the Spirit
[230] of God, and let your words be spoken with such certainty that those
who hear may know that the truth is a reality to you.—Evangelism,
296.
Harm in Tame Preaching—An unconsecrated minister, pre-
senting the truth in an unimpassioned manner, his own soul unmoved
by the truths he speaks to others, will do only harm. Every effort
he makes only lowers the standard.—Testimonies for the Church
2:344.
Listlessness of Manner—Some preach these truths, of such
weighty importance, in so listless a manner that they cannot affect
the people. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy
might.”—Testimonies for the Church 2:504.
The Belittling of God’s Message—More ability, tact, and wis-
dom are needed in presenting the Word and feeding the flock of God
than many suppose. A dry, lifeless presentation of the truth belittles
the most sacred message that God has given to men.—Testimonies
for the Church 6:47, 48.
Consumers, Not Producers—Those who preach the gospel
without putting the whole being, heart, mind, soul, and strength,
into the work, are consumers and not producers. God calls for men
who realize that they must put forth earnest effort, men who bring
thought, zeal, prudence, capability, and the attributes of Christ’s
character into their work. The saving of souls is a vast work, which
calls for the employment of every talent, every gift of grace. Those
[231] engaged in this work should constantly increase in efficiency. They
should be filled with an earnest desire to have their power for service
strengthened, realizing that they will be weak without a constantly
increasing supply of grace. They should seek to attain larger and
still larger results in their work. When this is the experience of our
workers, fruit will be seen. Many souls will be brought into the
truth.—Manuscript 90, 1904.
No Sleepy Message at This Time—At Christ’s first advent the
angels broke the silence of the night with acclamations of praise,
and proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth; good
will toward men.” He is soon to come again with power and great
Chapter 41—Earnestness and Assurance 149
glory. Those who are not wedded to the world will realize that
the time demands something more than a weak, faint, methodical
discourse. They will see that there must be earnestness and power
accompanying the Word, which will arouse the powers of hell to
oppose the warnings. God designs to come to the people to awaken
men out of their carnal security, that they may prepare themselves
for the great event right upon us. The promise is, “Ye shall receive
power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall
be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” God will accept
no sleepy, tame message at this time.—Lt 27, 1894. [232]
Chapter 42—Conversational Manner
150
Chapter 42—Conversational Manner 151
Ellen White: “That is the work that has been shown me, that
our camp meetings would increase in success and interest. There
are those that want more definite light. There are some that take [a]
longer time to get hold of things and get what you really mean. If
they could have the privilege of having it made a little plainer they
would see that, and would catch hold of that. And it would be like a
nail fastened in a sure place, and it would be written on the tablets
of their hearts.
“When the great throngs would gather about Christ, He gave
His lessons of instruction. Then the disciples in different places and
different positions after the discourse would repeat what Christ had
said. The people had misapplied Christ’s words; and the disciples
would tell the people what the Scriptures said, and what Christ said
the Scriptures said. They were learning to be educators. They were
next to Christ, getting lessons from Him and giving them to the
people.”—Manuscript 19b, 1890.
Instruction in the People’s Homes—God’s servants have a
great work to do in addition to preaching in the pulpit. In the work
[236] of the ministry there is altogether too much preaching, and too little
real teaching the lessons of the Bible. Our ministers should visit
the members of the church more than they do, to talk and pray with
them. Their hearts need to be drawn out to those in their charge.
When our ministers are visiting in a family, let them seek to make
the hour of worship a great blessing, and let them when at the meal
table, seek to make the conversation a source of spiritual refreshing.
Let them talk on Bible subjects, and relate their experiences in
holding meetings and in visiting among the people. The parents will
be benefited, the children will be impressed, and as the warmth and
grace of Christ are felt, the spiritual pulse will be quickened.
Often a minister is obliged to speak in a crowded, overheated
room. The listeners become drowsy, their senses are half paralyzed,
and it is almost impossible for them to grasp the subjects presented.
If instead of preaching to them, the speaker would try to teach them,
asking them questions, and speaking in a conversational tone, their
minds would be aroused to activity, and they would be able more
clearly to comprehend the truths opened before them. Their under-
standing would take hold of the living reality of the truths necessary
for the quickening of the perception and for growth in knowledge.
Chapter 42—Conversational Manner 153
spoken—“It is written.” The truth will cut to the quick. Let not your
own spirit and passions mingle with the truth as common fire with
the sacred flame. Plainly unfold the Word in all its impressiveness.
Many who are now the bitterest opponents of truth are acting up
to their honest convictions of duty, but they will yet see the truth,
and become its warm advocates. Those who now treat them with
ridicule, who manifest a harsh spirit toward them, will fall under
temptation, and bring reproach upon the cause of God, and cause
the loss of souls through their indiscretion. Many who go into the
field at the call made at the eleventh hour, will through the grace of
Christ so present the truth, that they will be accounted first.
We are not to voice inconsistency. It is our work to advance the
light, to inculcate ideas in the spirit of meekness and dependence
upon God. Let us seek to become overcomers, and thus receive the
overcomers’ reward. Do all in your power to reflect light, to bring
souls to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, but abstain from
[242] speaking irritating and provoking words. Present the truth in its
simplicity, for it must be confessed before man as it involves their
eternal interest.—Lt 36, 1895.
No Combative Armor—The combative armor, the debating
spirit, must be laid off. If we would be Christlike we must reach
men where they are.—Evangelism, 249.
Inappropriate Debate—We have the most solemn message of
truth ever borne to the world. This truth is more and more respected
by unbelievers because it cannot be controverted. In view of this fact,
our young men become self-confident and self-inflated. They take
the truths which have been brought out by other minds, and without
study or earnest prayer meet opponents and engage in contests,
indulging in sharp speeches and witticisms, flattering themselves
that this is doing the work of a gospel minister. In order to be fitted
for God’s work, these men need as thorough a conversion as Paul
experienced. Ministers must be living representatives of the truth
they preach. They must have greater spiritual life, characterized by
greater simplicity.—Testimonies for the Church 4:446.
More Argument, More Opposition—Often, as you seek to
present the truth, opposition will be aroused; but if you seek to meet
the opposition with argument, you will only multiply it, and that you
Chapter 43—No Harsh Words nor Debating Spirit 157
people pure wheat thoroughly winnowed from all chaff. Do not let
your discourses embrace so much that weakness shall be seen in the
place of solid argument. Present the truth as it is in Jesus, that those
who hear may receive the very best impression.—Testimonies to
Ministers and Gospel Workers, 310. [252]
Effect of Dry Words—Many make a mistake in their preaching
in not stopping while the interest is up. They go on speechifying
until the interest that had risen in the minds of the hearers dies out
and the people are really wearied with words of no special weight
or interest. Stop before you get there. Stop when you have nothing
of special importance to say. Do not go on with dry words that only
excite prejudice and do not soften the heart. You want to be so united
to Christ that your words will melt and burn their way to the soul.
Mere prosy talk is insufficient for this time. Arguments are good,
but there may be too much of the argumentative and too little of the
spirit and life of God.—Testimonies for the Church 3:419.
Better Preparation, Shorter Discourses—The discourses
given upon present truth are full of important matter, and if these
discourses are carefully considered before being presented to the
people, if they are condensed and do not cover too much ground, if
the Spirit of the Master goes with the utterances, no one will be left
in darkness, no one will have cause to complain of being unfed. The
preparation, both in preacher and hearer, has very much to do with
the result.
I will here quote a few words that have come under my notice
just now:“I always know by the length of Cannon’s sermon whether
he has been much from home during the week,” said one of his flock.
“When carefully studied, his discourses are of a moderate length,
but it is almost impossible for his hearers to forget the teachings
conveyed in them. When he has had no time for preparation, his [253]
sermons are unreasonably long, and it is equally impossible to get
anything out of them which will stick to the memory.”
Another able minister was asked how long he was accustomed
to preach. “When I prepare thoroughly, half an hour; when only
partially, an hour; but when I enter the pulpit without previous
preparation, I go on for any length of time you like; in fact, I never
know when to stop.”
164 The Voice in Speech and Song
Only the Best Quality—Teacher, weed from your talks all that
is not of the highest and best quality. Keep before the students
those sentiments only that are essential. Never should the physician,
minister, or teacher prolong his talks until the alpha is forgotten in
long-drawn-out assertions that are not of the least benefit. When this
is done, the mind is swamped with a multitude of words that it cannot
retain. Let the talks given be short and right to the point.—Counsels
to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 403.
Teachers’ Words Few and Well Chosen—Teachers, meet with
your classes. Pray with them, and teach them how to pray. Let the
[257] heart be softened, and the petitions short and simple, but earnest.
Let your words be few and well chosen; and let them learn from
your lips and your example that the truth of God must be rooted in
their hearts or they cannot stand the test of temptation. We want
to see whole classes of young people being converted to God, and
growing up useful members of the church.—Counsels on Sabbath
[258] School Work, 125.
Chapter 45—Speed and Tone
167
168 The Voice in Speech and Song
put upon them the burden you are now placing upon the throat and
lungs.
The Lord would not have you injure your vocal organs by a long,
continuous strain. Your words will be much more forcible if you give
your lungs more air and speak fewer words. When you are speaking,
you need to give time to taking full, deep inspirations. Bring the
muscles of the abdomen into action. Stand straight, breathe deep,
and speak your words with as much force as you please.
I was taught this lesson when my throat and lungs were so much
affected that I could not breathe without suffering. No human friend
gave me any hint of what to do in order to improve, but the great
Medical Missionary, whom I love and obey, told me what to do. The
directions given me, I give you. The importance of voice culture was
impressed upon me, and ever since I have tried to impress this upon
others. Let our ministers speak slowly, taking in full inspirations of
air, and there will be a melody in their voices that is now heard in
the voices of but few, because it is hard to change wrong habits for
right ones.
God would have His workers treat their vocal organs with special
care, as a precious gift from Him. These organs are not to be abused
by overtaxation. Let great care be shown in their use. Then the [262]
discourses given will be more impressive, and those who speak will
be enabled to do more work for the Master. There are men who
have gone down to the grave because they did not take pains to be
in harmony with nature’s laws in their use of the vocal organs.
The Lord would have His messengers guard sacredly their health
and strength. They are not to sacrifice their God-given organs by
misusing them. One organ is not to be overstrained, made to bear a
burden of abuse that will bring disease and cut short the usefulness
of the workers.
The Lord would have you improve in speech by placing the
burden where it belongs, upon the muscles of the chest and abdomen.
The throat is only the channel for the words. Speak slowly and
breathe deeply. This will enable you to throw out your words with
distinctness and volume, while the throat and lungs, instead of being
injured, will be strengthened to resist consumptive tendencies.
It is your privilege to take lessons in voice culture, if possible.
Voice culture is a study that should find a place in every institution
170 The Voice in Speech and Song
for the education of the youth. Especially is this study essential for
those who are preparing themselves to labor as teachers or ministers.
In every study the importance of speaking slowly and distinctly, and
of placing the burden upon the muscles of the abdomen, should be
made prominent. This line of work should be made a specialty in
every school. The students should be taught to stand straight, to
[263] breathe deeply, and to give the proper emphasis to important words
and sentences....
Think of these suggestions. Give them due attention, for the
preservation of your life demands this. The human agent is to do
all in his power to preserve his health and strength. The minister of
the gospel should give the organs of speech special care, giving the
throat every advantage, so that it shall not become irritated. He must
take time to rest. Then his vocal organs will not be so overworked
that they will become diseased beyond remedy.
I must urge you to exercise discretion. You talk hurriedly, and
the throat and lungs become wearied and irritated. Elder D was a
man of great ability. I did my best to persuade him to be careful of
his health, but he would not follow my advice. He said that he could
not enjoy freedom in speaking if he kept the rules which he knew
to be essential to the health of his vocal organs. The force of habit
was so strong that he did not change. When he was dying, he sent
for my husband and me to come and pray for him. While we were
with him, he said, “Oh, Sister White, I need not now be dying had I
heeded the warnings that you gave me.”—Lt 367, 1904.
Noise and Hurry No Evidence of God’s Presence—Some
ministers have fallen into the error that they cannot have liberty
in speaking unless they raise their voices to a high pitch and talk
loud and fast. Such should understand that noise and loud, hurried
[264] speaking are not evidence of the presence of the power of God.
It is not the power of the voice that makes the lasting impression.
Ministers should be Bible students, and should thoroughly furnish
themselves with the reasons of our faith and hope, and then, with full
control of the voice and feelings, they should present these in such a
manner that the people can calmly weigh them and decide upon the
evidences given. And as ministers feel the force of the arguments
which they present in the form of solemn, testing truth, they will
Chapter 45—Speed and Tone 171
the testimonies borne and the prayers offered be clear and distinct.
Thus God will be glorified.—Testimonies for the Church 6:382.
[266] Clarity in Public Reading—It is essential that students be
trained to read in a clear, distinct tone. We have been pained as
we have attended conference meetings, tract society meetings, and
meetings of various kinds, where reports were read in an almost
inaudible voice or in a hesitating manner or a muffled tone. One-half
the interest in a meeting is killed when the participants do their
part in an indifferent, spiritless fashion. They should learn to speak
in such a way that they can edify those who listen. Let everyone
connected with missionary work qualify himself to speak in a clear,
attractive way, enunciating his words perfectly.—Counsels to Par-
ents, Teachers, and Students, 246, 247.
Mouthpiece for God—He who accepts the position of being
a mouthpiece for God should consider it highly essential that he
presents the truth with all the grace and intelligence that he can
acquire through discipline of the mind and in such a manner that
the truth shall lose nothing by his presentation. Let no one consider
it a little thing to speak in a thick voice and clumsy manner, or to
pitch the voice in a high, unnatural key, and talk loud and long and
thus abuse the organs of speech given of God, and make himself
unacceptable to the people.—Manuscript 67, 1895.
Defective Utterance of Truth—The ability to speak plainly and
clearly, in full, round tones, is invaluable in any line of work. This
qualification is indispensable in those who desire to become minis-
ters, evangelists, Bible workers, or canvassers. Those who are plan-
[267] ning to enter these lines of work should be taught to use the voice in
such a way that when they speak to people about the truth, a decided
impression for good will be made. The truth must not be marred by
being communicated through defective utterance.—Testimonies for
the Church 6:380.
Manner of Speaking for All Workers—All the workers,
whether they speak from the pulpit or give Bible readings, are to be
taught to speak in a clear, expressive manner.—Evangelism, 665.
Holy Boldness in Prayer—I am pained as I see how little the
gift of speech is appreciated. In reading the Bible, in engaging in
prayer, in bearing testimony in meeting, how necessary is clear,
distinct utterance! And how much is lost in family worship when
Chapter 45—Speed and Tone 173
the one offering prayer bows the face down and speaks in a low,
feeble voice! But as soon as family worship is over, those who could
not speak loud enough to be heard in prayer, can usually speak in
clear, distinct tones, and there is no difficulty in hearing what they
say. Prayer that is thus uttered is appropriate for the closet, but not
edifying in family or public worship; for unless those assembled
can hear what is said, they cannot say Amen. Nearly all can speak
loud enough to be heard in ordinary conversation, and why should
they not speak thus when called upon to bear testimony or to offer
prayer?
When speaking of divine things, why not speak in distinct tones
and in a manner that will make it manifest that you know whereof
you speak, and are not ashamed to show your colors? Why not [268]
pray as if you had a conscience void of offense, and could come
to the throne of grace in humility, yet with holy boldness, lifting
up holy hands without wrath and doubting? Do not bow down and
cover up your faces as if there were something that you desired
to conceal; but lift up your eyes toward the heavenly sanctuary,
where Christ your Mediator stands before the Father to present your
prayers, mingled with His own merit and spotless righteousness, as
fragrant incense.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 241. [269]
Chapter 46—Anecdotes and Humor
discerned. Then make the most of drawing in the net. Come right
to the point. Make your illustrations self-evident. However great a
man’s knowledge, it is of no avail unless he is able to communicate
it to others.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 253.
Illustrations for Everyone—Teachers, remember that the Lord
is your strength. Strive to give the students ideas that will be to them
a savor of life unto life. Teach by illustrations. Ask God to give
you words to speak that all can understand.—Counsels to Parents,
Teachers, and Students, 254. [278]
Children in Understanding—The teacher should constantly
aim at simplicity and effectiveness. He should teach largely by
illustration, and even in dealing with older pupils should be careful to
make every explanation plain and clear. Many pupils well advanced
in years are but children in understanding.—Education, 233.
Comprehension by Children—In all that men have written,
where can be found anything that has such a hold upon the heart,
anything so well adapted to awaken the interest of the little ones, as
the stories of the Bible? In these simple stories may be made plain
the great principles of the law of God. Thus by illustrations best
suited to the child’s comprehension, parents and teachers may begin
very early to fulfill the Lord’s injunction concerning His precepts:
“Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk
of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest
by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
Deuteronomy 6:7.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,
181.
Dignity of the Word—Too many illustrations do not have a
correct influence; they belittle the sacred dignity that should ever
be maintained in the presentation of the Word of God to the peo-
ple.—Evangelism, 209.
Starving Sheep—There are men who stand in the pulpits as
shepherds, professing to feed the flock, while the sheep are starving
for the bread of life. There are long-drawn-out discourses, largely
made up of the relation of anecdotes; but the hearts of the hearers [279]
are not touched. The feelings of some may be moved, they may
shed a few tears, but their hearts are not broken. The Lord Jesus has
been present when they have been presenting that which was called
sermons, but their words were destitute of the dew and rain of heaven.
180 The Voice in Speech and Song
187
188 The Voice in Speech and Song
189
190 The Voice in Speech and Song
to have; nor is there time for the truth to affect them as it otherwise
would.
Speaking from the throat, letting the words come out from the
upper extremity of the vocal organs, all the time fretting and irritat-
ing them, is not the best way to preserve health or to increase the
efficiency of those organs. You should take a full inspiration and
let the action come from the abdominal muscles. Let the lungs be
only the channel, but do not depend upon them to do the work. If
you let your words come from deep down, exercising the abdominal
muscles, you can speak to thousands with just as much ease as you
can speak to ten.
[296] Some of our preachers are killing themselves by long, tedious
praying and loud speaking, when a lower tone would make a better
impression and save their own strength. Now, while you go on
regardless of the laws of life and health, and follow the impulse of the
moment, do not charge it upon God if you break down.—Testimonies
for the Church 2:615, 616.
Prayers That All Can Hear—To those who are planning to en-
ter God’s work as ministers, I would say: Strive with determination
to be perfect in speech. Ask God to help you to accomplish this
great object. When in the congregation you offer prayer, remember
that you are addressing God, and that He desires you to speak so
that all who are present can hear and can blend their supplications
with yours. A prayer uttered so hurriedly that the words are jum-
bled together is no honor to God and does the hearers no good. Let
ministers and all who offer public prayer learn to pray in such a way
that God will be glorified and the hearers will be blessed. Let them
speak slowly and distinctly and in tones loud enough to be heard by
all so that the people may unite in saying, Amen.—Testimonies for
the Church 6:383.
Loud Talking a Danger to Health—[An impromptu dialogue
during Ellen White’s talk to the General Conference Committee at
Lake Goguac in Michigan. July 14, 1890.] Elder Farnsworth: “Don’t
you think, Sister White, a great many of our ministers have received
[297] great injury from their manner of speaking?”
Ellen White: “Oh, yes, indeed; I have seen it over and over. My
husband got in the way of sometimes raising his voice very loud,
and it seemed as though he could not get out of that way. And there
Chapter 50—Being Heard, but Not by Shouting 191
192
Chapter 52—Every Person an Original
193
Chapter 53—The Real Proof of Preaching
rebellion will bear rule within. Evils without will awaken evils
within, and the soul will wander in its own homemade fog, all the
time charging upon someone else the result of its own unchristian
course of action.—Manuscript 11, 1899.
Christ As the Great Center—Those who have not worked in
full consecration to God have lost much themselves, and have not
been able to communicate to the church correct principles of Chris-
tianity. Self has not been hid in Christ. Those who handle sacred
things are not growing in grace and in the knowledge of the deep [303]
truths of the Word of God, attaining to the full stature of men and
women in Christ Jesus. They fall short of the divine measure. Some
have preached in the desk, but have failed to reach the people, be-
cause they have not had the sanctifying power of Christ in their own
hearts. They have not come in personal contact with the people,
and they have not been benefited as they might have been. Not all
have presented Christ as the great Center to whom all must come,
realizing that He is the Author and Finisher of their redemption, their
all in all. The result of their labor makes it manifest that they have
not the deep personal experience they should have, but need deeper
piety and unselfish devotion to the work.—Manuscript 12, 1891.
Failure to Practice the Word—Actions speak louder than
words. The sermon that is preached in the pulpit is counteracted
by the sermon that is preached in the lives of those who claim to
be advocates of truth. It is because of a lack of the practicing of
the words of Christ that a curse is coming upon our churches. If
Christ is not living in His human agent, then when circumstances
are favorable to their development the attributes of Satan will appear.
A noble life is the most powerful sermon in favor of Christianity.
If we would live such a life, our consciences must be quickened by
continual contact with the Word of God. Our souls must be familiar
with the heavenly standard, and we must avoid every course that
diverges from the right.—Lt 71, 1895. [304]
Constant Growth in Grace—Unless there is constant growth
in grace, we shall be wanting in words suitable for the occasion.
The reason so many of our ministers preach tame, lifeless discourses
is that they allow a variety of things of a worldly nature to take
their time and attention. Commune with your own heart and then
commune with God. Unless you do this, your efforts will be fruitless,
196 The Voice in Speech and Song
wish your heart to overflow with the love of God, cultivate grateful
thanksgiving for the unspeakable privilege of knowing the truth.
If you would lose sight of self by beholding Christ, you would be
changed from glory to glory, from character to character, and would
rejoice in His redeeming love.
We have no time for fretting over ourselves, no time to look on [306]
the dark side. There are souls to be saved. We must live in Christ
and Christ must live in us, else we shall preach and labor in vain.
Those who are brethren in the faith must stand together in oneness,
striving to answer Christ’s prayer to His Father. Let us stop fretting.
Let us put away all jealousy, all evil surmising. Let us put on Christ
and walk in the light of the Sun of Righteousness. Preach the Word.
Practice the Word. Then souls will be converted.
At present your spiritual condition is a stumbling block to your
best efforts. We have the most sublime truths ever given to men.
How are we handling them? In Christ, dead to self, open your mouth,
and God will fill it. Christ will impress the minds of your hearers.
Cooperation with God means His cooperation with us. Coop-
eration with our brethren gives standing room for every one who
does the work. Cooperation is now greatly needed. Seek not for the
highest place. If you do, you will be given the lowest place. Have
courage in the Lord. But do not think that you are the only agent
through whom He will work. For Christ’s sake do your best, without
speaking one ungrateful word to God or to your brethren. Then the
Lord will bless you. We have not a moment to waste in regrets or
recrimination.
Take not your troubles to man, who may have no greater wisdom
than you yourself. Take your troubles to Him who hears and answers
prayer. Labor, labor with this poor soul and that poor soul. Keep your
head out of books and your hand from writing. Seek the salvation of [307]
those who are ready to perish. How earnestly should we be engaged
in laboring for souls as they that must give an account.—Lt 119,
1900.
Impact of Jesus’ Love on the Speaker’s Heart—There have
been entire discourses, dry and Christless, in which Jesus has
scarcely been named. The speaker’s heart is not subdued and melted
by the love of Jesus. He dwells upon dry theories. No great im-
pression is made. The speaker has not the divine unction, and how
198 The Voice in Speech and Song
Glory of the Incarnate God—If Jesus were made the sum and
substance of every discourse, sinners would be convicted. By the
message borne they would know what they must do to be saved.
Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary, higher and still higher. Who can
declare the glory of the incarnate God? What language can describe
it? It is not the men learned in this world’s wisdom who have true
eloquence.—Manuscript 176, 1899.
Foundation of the Gospel—Theoretical discourses are essen-
tial, that people may see the chain of truth, link after link, uniting
in a perfect whole; but no discourse should ever be preached with-
out presenting Christ and Him crucified as the foundation of the
gospel.—Gospel Workers, 158.
True Example for Ministers—Will not our ministers wrestle
in earnest prayer that they may have a holy unction, that they may
not bring unimportant, unessential things into their labor at this
important time? Let them not bring into their ministerial labors that
[312] which can be heard in any of the denominational churches. Let
them ever keep before their hearers an uplifted Saviour, in order
to prevent their converts from attaching themselves to the man, to
bear his mold and copy his ways in their manner of conversation and
conduct. The Lord has a variety of workers, who must impress the
people in various lines. One man’s ways are not to be considered
perfect and to be adopted exclusively in any congregation. Christ is
our Example.—Manuscript 21a, 1894.
Simple Lessons of Christ—In the name of Jesus Christ, I would
appeal to the church who has been made the depository of deep and
precious truths. God has given treasures to the church not to be
hoarded, not to be buried in the earth, but to be imparted to others,
that others may be enriched as well as ourselves. How shall we
work? Let both laymen and ministers follow the example of Christ.
Let them meet the people where they are. I would entreat you to
labor in word and doctrine; do not get above the simplicity of the
200
Chapter 54—Christ the Sum and Substance 201
work. Do not soar away above the minds of the common people
so that they cannot follow you, and if they did follow you, would
neither be benefited nor blessed. Teach the simple lessons of Christ.
Tell the touching story of His life of self-denial and sacrifice. Tell of
His humiliation and death. Tell of His resurrection and ascension,
of His intercession for them in the courts of God. Tell them that
“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting [313]
life” [John 3:16].—Manuscript 38, 1894.
Spiritual Nourishment—Of all professed Christians, Seventh-
day Adventists should be foremost in uplifting Christ before the
world. Our ministers should ever be able to direct men and women
to Christ, to the One who Himself declared, “I am the Bread of life.”
Let those who minister to the spiritual necessities of the people, read
to them the words of Christ: “I am the living Bread which came
down from heaven: if any man eat of this Bread, he shall live forever:
and the Bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the
life of the world.” ...
Often there are delivered to the people discourses destitute of
the Bread of life, the food essential for spiritual growth. Those who
have been appropriating for themselves the Bread of life, will be
able to break it to others....
I have felt very sad as I have seen ministers walking and work-
ing in the light of the sparks of their own kindling; ministers who
were not obtaining spiritual nourishment from Christ, the Bread of
life. Their own souls were as destitute of the heavenly manna as
the hills of Gilboa were destitute of dew and rain. In their hearts
Christ was not an abiding Presence. How could they speak in-
telligently of Him whom they had never known by experimental
knowledge?—Manuscript 21, 1891.
Practical Lessons Along With the Prophecies—A few [314]
forcible remarks upon some point of doctrine will fasten in the
mind much more firmly, than to bring in a mass of matter where
nothing lays out clear and distinct in the mind of those ignorant of
our faith. There should be interspersed with the prophecies, prac-
tical lessons of the teachings of Christ. There should ever be the
softening, subduing influence of the Spirit of God upon our own
heart. The self-denial and the sufferings of Christ should be brought
202 The Voice in Speech and Song
into our labors, and the great love wherewith He has loved us appear
in all our efforts.—Lt 48, 1886.
Christ in the Heart—Discourses that have little of Christ and
His righteousness in them are given in the desk. They are Christless
sermons. To preach in the demonstration of the Spirit is completely
beyond the power of those who are without Christ. They are feeble,
empty, and without nourishment. They have no Christ to carry
with them in private life. They are full of boasting, of pride, of
self-esteem, speaking evil of things of which they have no real
knowledge. They manifest an impatience of everything that does
not follow in their line. They will even scoff and mock at sacred
things, because they do not see that spiritual things are spiritually
discerned. They degrade themselves by perverting and falsifying
truth.—Manuscript 15, 1886.
The Spirit’s Power—Merely to speak to beautiful things that
[315] please the ear and attract attention should not be our purpose. We
are to present Christ and Him crucified, that souls who are dead
in trespasses and sins may be alarmed and quickened. Those who
seek to teach others need to be converted to Christ; they need to
plead with God that He will imbue them with His Holy Spirit before
they can lift up Christ as the sinner’s only hope. Flowery speeches,
pleasing tales, anecdotes, and stories do not convict the sinner. Men
listen to such words as they would listen to a pleasant song, and
the laborers gather but few sheaves into the garner. The message
the sinner should hear is, “God so loved the world, that He gave
His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should
not perish, but have everlasting life” [John 3:16]. And the truth
will subdue and tender the soul of the teacher because he feels its
practical utility.—Manuscript 12, 1891.
Life-Healing Balm From the Cross—The cross, the cross of
Calvary presented again and again, plainly dwelt upon in every
discourse, will prove the life-healing balm, will reveal the beauty
and excellence of virtue. Those who quibble over the authenticity
of the Scriptures and question the authority of revelation will not be
influenced.—Manuscript 20, 1893.
Jesus in the Discourse—“And this is life eternal, that they might
know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast
sent” [John 17:3]. The eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among
Chapter 54—Christ the Sum and Substance 203
us. This theme will quench unbelief; and yet, sad to say, Jesus has [316]
been dropped out of many, many discourses that have been preached
by Seventh-day Adventist ministers. And why? Because these
ministers had not Jesus abiding in their hearts by faith; they were
not clothed with Christ’s righteousness.—Manuscript 16, 1890. [317]
Chapter 55—Promise of the Holy Spirit
206
Chapter 56—Eternal Truth 207
Timothy 2:15, 16). Will every messenger of God give heed to these
words?—Manuscript 29, 1893.
New Light, New Ideas—Some of our ministers have a runway
of discourses which they use without variation year after year. The
same illustrations, the same figures, and almost the same words.
They have ceased to be students. There is an end to improvement,
and they stagger under the load of a few set discourses to prevent
mental decrepitude. But by the ever-learning student new light, new [324]
ideas, new gems of truth will be found and eagerly grasped.... The
gospel is not properly taught and represented before unbelievers by
men who have ceased to be students, who have, as it were, graduated
as far as searching the Scriptures is concerned, and they bring a
reproach upon the truth by the manner in which they handle it. If men
obtain the ears of the people, the very best quality of preaching is
needed, because pleasing fables are presented by eloquent lips.—Lt
33, 1886.
Scriptural Study vs. Suppositions and Fables—Preach the
Word. You may have inventive minds. You may be expert, as
were the Jewish teachers, in getting up new theories; but Christ said
of them, “In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines, the
commandments of men” [Matthew 15:9]. They presented traditions,
suppositions, and fables of all kinds to the people. The forms and
ceremonies they enjoined made it simply impossible for the people
to know whether they were keeping the Word of God or following
the imaginations of men.
Satan is well pleased when he can thus confuse the mind. Let
not ministers preach their own suppositions. Let them search the
Scriptures earnestly, with a solemn realization that if they teach for
doctrine the things that are not contained in God’s Word, they will
be as those represented in the last chapter of Revelation.—Lt 207,
1899. [325]
Chapter 57—Testing Truths
to their hearts. Discussions place before the people who are unen-
lightened in regard to our position and who are ignorant of Bible
truth, a set of arguments skillfully gotten up and carefully arranged
to cover over the clear points of truth. Some men have made it their
business to cover up plain statements of facts in the Word of God
by their deceptive theories, which they make plausible to those who
have not investigated for themselves.—Testimonies for the Church
3:426. [327]
Sound Arguments—It is important that in defending the doc-
trines which we consider fundamental articles of faith we should
never allow ourselves to employ arguments that are not wholly sound.
These may avail to silence an opposer, but they do not honor the
truth. We should present sound arguments that will not only silence
our opponents but will bear the closest and most searching scrutiny.
With those who have educated themselves as debaters there is great
danger that they will not handle the Word of God with fairness. In
meeting an opponent it should be our earnest effort to present sub-
jects in such a manner as to awaken conviction in his mind, instead
of seeking merely to give confidence to the believer.—Testimonies
for the Church 5:708.
Demonstration of the Spirit—Our work for this time is not to
be done by enticing words of man’s wisdom, such as were used by
heathen orators to gain applause. Speak in the demonstration of the
Spirit, and with the power which God alone can impart. The testing
truths for this time are to be proclaimed by men whose lips have been
touched with a live coal from off God’s altar. Such preaching will
be a decided contrast to the preaching usually heard.—The S.D.A.
Bible Commentary 6:1084.
Bread to the Starving—Many souls are hungering for the Bread
of life. Their cry is, “Give me bread; do not give me a stone. It
is bread that I want.” Feed these perishing, starving souls. Let our
ministers bear in mind that the strongest meat is not to be given to [328]
babes who know not the first principles of the truth as we believe it.
In every age the Lord has had a special message for the people of
that time; so we have a message for the people in this age. But while
we have many things to say, we may be compelled to withhold some
of them for a time, because the people are not prepared to receive
them now.
212 The Voice in Speech and Song
Those who would be co-workers with our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ will show a deep interest in the truths found in this book. With
pen and voice they will strive to make plain the wonderful things
that Christ came from heaven to reveal....
The solemn messages that have been given in their order in the
Revelation are to occupy the first place in the minds of God’s people.
Nothing else is to be allowed to engross our attention.
Precious time is rapidly passing, and there is danger that many
will be robbed of the time which should be given to the proclamation
of the messages that God has sent to a fallen world. Satan is pleased
to see the diversion of minds that should be engaged in a study of
[332] the truths which have to do with eternal realities.
The testimony of Christ, a testimony of the most solemn char-
acter, is to be borne to the world. All through the book of Rev-
elation there are the most precious, elevating promises, and there
are also warnings of the most fearfully solemn import. Will not
those who profess to have a knowledge of the truth read the testi-
mony given to John by Christ? Here is no guesswork, no scientific
deception. Here are the truths that concern our present and future
welfare.—Testimonies for the Church 8:301, 302.
Daniel and the Revelation—Those who accept positions as
educators should prize more and more the revealed will of God
so plainly and strikingly presented in Daniel and the Revela-
tion.—Testimonies for the Church 6:131.
Purpose of the Book of Revelation—In the book of Revelation
we read of a special work that God desires to have His people do
in these last days. He has revealed His law and shown us the truth
for this time. This truth is constantly unfolding, and God designs
that we shall be intelligent in regard to it, that we may be able to
distinguish between right and wrong, between righteousness and
unrighteousness.
The third angel’s message, the great testing truth for this time, is
to be taught in all our institutions. God designs that through them
this special warning shall be given, and bright beams of light shall
shine to the world. Time is short. The perils of the last days are upon
us, and we should watch and pray, and study and heed the lessons
[333] that are given us in the books of Daniel and the Revelation.
Chapter 57—Testing Truths 215
vanity. What are we to do with the world’s vanities, its praises, its
[337] riches, its honors, or its enjoyments?—Evangelism, 220.
Chapter 59—The Way of Salvation
coming from yourselves, but from Christ. Show your hearers their
need of returning through repentance and faith to their loyalty; for all
are on a level; all are condemned alike by that great moral standard
of righteousness. Proclaim remission of sins through Christ, the
only Sin-bearer, the only Sin-pardoner. Proclaim the remission of
sins through repentance toward God and faith in Christ, and God
will ratify your testimony. With all assurance you can proclaim
the means by which a holy character may be obtained—as Enoch
obtained it, through Christ Jesus.
Every messenger of God can proclaim pardon and remission of
sins through the name of Christ, who died to redeem the sinner. The
Lord’s full favor comes to those who seek Him with the whole heart,
and are willing to follow Him in doing God’s will, enthroning Christ
in the heart, planting His attributes deep in the life practice. These
have a constraining motive, a supreme love for Christ our Saviour,
which brings even the thoughts into captivity to Him.—Manuscript
138, 1897.
Convicting and Converting Truths—In every congregation [341]
there are souls upon whom the Spirit of the Lord is moving, and
they need help in order that they may understand what they must
do to be saved. You have often presented grand scenes before them
which they could not comprehend. Those who are imaginative may
grasp these lofty thoughts, but to the larger number such discourses
are only as Greek [to them]. Dwell upon truths that convict and
convert souls. God is at work in the tent, though there be few or
many present.
From unfeigned lips you should breathe a prayer that God would
guide you to give to every man his portion of meat in due season, and
so aid you that you will not get above the simplicity of the gospel to
dwell upon favorite subjects which will not enlighten the darkened
conscience, or convince men of sin, of righteousness, and judgment
to come. In distinct lines, present to your hearers what they must do
to be saved; lead them into the paths of truth and holiness. As the
flock of the pasture, lead them where they may drink the water of
salvation.—Lt 29, 1895.
Unreserved Consecration—Some time ago I wrote in my diary
the following: “We seemed to be assembled in a meeting. One of
authority was present. He said: ‘Say to ministers and evangelists,
222 The Voice in Speech and Song
Carry the work forward with true spirituality. Make the application
that is made in the Word of God, that the result may not be merely a
sympathetic stirring of the feelings—a result that will fade away into
[342] nothingness when the impression is removed.’ I am commissioned
to say that all who see their need can be helped. Let every step
taken be a step of advancement toward genuine conversion, toward
unreserved consecration of heart, mind, soul, and strength to the
service of the Lord. Let all that is done tend to genuine reformation
in thought, in word, in deed, in character-building. Let the true
be discerned from the false. Do not allow the enemy to lead you
to weave wrong figures into the pattern. Keep the love of Christ
prominent before the children and youth. Repeat to them often His
simple lessons.”—Lt 111, 1904.
Obedience to Parents and to God—Teach the youth that sin
in any line is defined in the Scriptures as “transgression of the law.”
1 John 3:4.... Teach them in simple language that they must be
obedient to their parents and give their hearts to God.—Counsels to
Parents, Teachers, and Students, 169.
Spiritual Malaria—Unruly, debasing tendencies and passions
cannot reign in the heart controlled by the Spirit of Christ. There
are many who have never submitted their will and way fully without
any reserve to Jesus Christ.
There need to be far more lessons in the ministry of the Word
of true conversion than of the arguments of the doctrines. For it
is far easier and more natural for the heart that is not under the
control of the Spirit of Christ to choose doctrinal subjects rather than
the practical. There are many Christless discourses given no more
[343] acceptable to God than was the offering of Cain. They are not in
harmony with God.
The Lord calls upon you, my brother, to step down from the
work, leave the walls of Zion, or be a converted man. When your
own heart is sanctified through the truth there will be in it no moral
defilement. It will now require a most desperate resistance upon
your part to unholy suggestions because your soul is tainted with
spiritual malaria. You have breathed a satanic atmosphere. You
have not been a man in the sight of God. When your mind should
have been growing, your ideas elevated, and your plans and labors
Chapter 59—The Way of Salvation 223
broadened, you have been growing less and less efficient as a worker
because God is not blessing your efforts.—Lt 5, 1886. [344]
Chapter 60—Practical Godliness
224
Chapter 60—Practical Godliness 225
thought that will simply please the fancy or gratify curiosity. Break
the bread of life to the people.—Lt 29, 1895.
Christ’s Lifestyle—Although it is not congenial to the natural
inclinations, the minister must proclaim the straight truth which will
make the ears of them that hear tingle; for they must lay before those
who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God the dangers
and the perils that are around them, and the doom that awaits the
impenitent. Because this message is not agreeable to their inclination
or welcome to those who must be warned, they are solemnly charged
to be faithful in its declaration. The minister will meet wrongs that [346]
will seem to defy correction. They will be made aware of sins that
seem to be covered that will need to be exposed on the right hand
and on the left. The prophet says, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy
voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and
the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to
know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not
the ordinances of their God” [Isaiah 58:1, 2].
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ,
who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His king-
dom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove,
rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” [2 Timothy 4:1,
2].
The minister is not to indulge in the relation of anecdotes, but he
is to preach the Word. “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others
also may fear. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring
one before another, doing nothing by partiality” [1 Timothy 5:20,
21]. “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation,
in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” [1 Timothy 4:12]. “Study to
show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” [2 Timothy 2:15].
We are to present Christ to the people, following the words of the
apostle, where he says, “Whom we preach, warning every man, and
teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man
perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor, striving according to [347]
His working, which worketh in me mightily” [Colossians 1:28, 29].
Was it essential for Paul to have this experience? Read carefully his
226 The Voice in Speech and Song
words, and see if it is safe for any of the ministers of Christ to shape
their life according to any lower standard of godliness.—Lt 3, 1892.
Plain, Sensible Discourses—No worker is to consider it his
duty to administer reproof, and point out existing evils, and stop with
this. Such work does not accomplish any good, but only disheartens
and discourages. Plain, sensible, intelligent discourses should be
preached to the churches that will show the need of seeking the
Lord in prayer, and of opening the heart to the Light of life, and that
will lead church members to engage in humble work for God. To
every man God has given a work; to each worker who engages in
service for Him, He gives a part to act in communicating light and
truth.—Manuscript 95, 190795, 1907.
Renewal of Grace—I am determined to keep before the people
the fact that we must have unity. We must cease all criticism. We
must urge that the great peculiarity distinguishing Christians from
all others, is the union that exists between them and the Lord Jesus
Christ, by constant exercise of the faith that works by love and
purifies the soul. This union, oneness with Christ, leads to unity
with and love toward one another. Christians delight to honor God
by obeying all His commandments. Bound together in love with
[348] Christ, they have love toward one another.
We must dwell upon this theme more than we have done. The
subject of His renewing grace, dwelt upon in discourses, will be
pleasing to the Lord, and His Holy Spirit will come into the hearts
[349] of those who listen.—Lt 42, 1906.
[350]
[351]
Section 7—Examples of Effective Speakers
Chapter 61—Men and Women of the Bible
Enoch
Conversation on Heavenly Things—Enoch’s case is before us.
Hundreds of years he walked with God. He lived in a corrupt age,
when moral pollution was teeming all around him; yet he trained
his mind to devotion, to love purity. His conversation was upon
heavenly things. He educated his mind to run in this channel, and
he bore the impress of the divine. His countenance was lighted up
with the light which shineth in the face of Jesus.—Testimonies for
the Church 2:122.
Preacher of Righteousness—As the scenes of the future were
opened to his view, Enoch became a preacher of righteousness,
bearing God’s message to all who would hear the words of warning.
In the land where Cain had sought to flee from the divine presence,
the prophet of God made known the wonderful scenes that had
passed before his vision. “Behold,” he declared, “the Lord cometh
with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all, and
to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly
[352] deeds.”
The power of God that wrought with His servant was felt by
those who heard. Some gave heed to the warning and renounced
their sins; but the multitudes mocked at the solemn message. The
servants of God are to bear a similar message to the world in the last
days, and it also will be received by the majority with unbelief and
mockery.
As year after year passed, deeper and deeper grew the tide of hu-
man guilt, darker and darker gathered the clouds of divine judgment.
Yet Enoch, the witness of faith, held on his way, warning, pleading,
and teaching, striving to turn back the tide of guilt and to stay the
bolts of vengeance.—Gospel Workers, 52, 53.
Reprover of Sin—He was a fearless reprover of sin. While he
preached the love of God in Christ to the people of his time, and
228
Chapter 61—Men and Women of the Bible 229
pleaded with them to forsake their evil ways, he rebuked the prevail-
ing iniquity, and warned the men of his generation that judgment
would surely be visited upon the transgressor. It was the Spirit of
Christ that spoke through Enoch; that Spirit is manifested, not alone
in utterances of love, compassion, and entreaty; it is not smooth
things only that are spoken by holy men. God puts into the heart and
lips of His messengers truths to utter that are keen and cutting as a
two-edged sword.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 86.
Fruitage of His Message—After proclaiming his message, he
always took back with him to his place of retirement some who had
received the warning. Some of these became overcomers, and died
before the Flood came. But some had lived so long in the corrupting [353]
influence of sin that they could not endure righteousness.—The
S.D.A. Bible Commentary 1:1088.
Jochebed
Teacher of Moses—Jochebed was a woman and a slave. Her
lot in life was humble, her burden heavy. But through no other
woman, save Mary of Nazareth, has the world received greater
blessing. Knowing that her child must soon pass beyond her care, to
the guardianship of those who knew not God, she the more earnestly
endeavored to link his soul with heaven. She sought to implant
in his heart love and loyalty to God. And faithfully was the work
accomplished. Those principles of truth that were the burden of his
mother’s teaching and the lesson of her life, no after influence could
induce Moses to renounce.—Education, 61.
Educator for God—God had heard the mother’s prayers; her
faith had been rewarded. It was with deep gratitude that she entered
upon her now safe and happy task. She faithfully improved her
opportunity to educate her child for God. She felt confident that
he had been preserved for some great work, and she knew that he
must soon be given up to his royal mother, to be surrounded with
influences that would tend to lead him away from God. All this
rendered her more diligent and careful in his instruction than in that
of her other children. She endeavored to imbue his mind with the
fear of God and the love of truth and justice, and earnestly prayed [354]
that he might be preserved from every corrupting influence. She
230 The Voice in Speech and Song
showed him the folly and sin of idolatry, and early taught him to
bow down and pray to the living God, who alone could hear him
and help him in every emergency.
She kept the boy as long as she could, but was obliged to give
him up when he was about twelve years old. From his humble
cabin home he was taken to the royal palace, to the daughter of
Pharaoh, “and he became her son.” Yet even here he did not lose
the impressions received in childhood. The lessons learned at his
mother’s side could not be forgotten. They were a shield from the
pride, the infidelity, and the vice that flourished amid the splendor
of the court.
How far-reaching in its results was the influence of that one
Hebrew woman, and she an exile and a slave! The whole future
life of Moses, the great mission which he fulfilled as the leader
of Israel, testifies to the importance of the work of the Christian
mother.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 243, 244.
Faithful Women As Mothers—Especially does responsibility
rest upon the mother. She, by whose lifeblood the child is nourished
and its physical frame built up, imparts to it also mental and spiritual
influences that tend to the shaping of mind and character. It was
Jochebed, the Hebrew mother, who, strong in faith, was “not afraid
of the king’s commandment” (Hebrews 11:23), of whom was born
[355] Moses, the deliverer of Israel. It was Hannah, the woman of prayer
and self-sacrifice and heavenly inspiration, who gave birth to Samuel,
the heaven-instructed child, the incorruptible judge, the founder of
Israel’s sacred schools. It was Elisabeth, the kinswoman and kindred
spirit of Mary of Nazareth, who was the mother of the Saviour’s
herald.—The Ministry of Healing, 372.
Moses
Words of Eloquence—The life of Moses was marked with
supreme love to God. His piety, humility, and forbearance gave
him influence with the host of Israel. His zeal and faith in God
were greater than those of any other man upon the earth. He had
often addressed his people in words of stirring eloquence. No one
knew better than he how to move the affections of the people. He
Chapter 61—Men and Women of the Bible 231
King Saul
Fluency and Wisdom—As Saul approached them [a band of
prophets], the Spirit of the Lord came upon him also, and he joined
in their song of praise, and prophesied with them. He spoke with
so great fluency and wisdom, and joined so earnestly in the service,
that those who had known him exclaimed in astonishment, “What
is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the
prophets?”—Patriarchs and Prophets, 610. [356]
Abigail
Kindness and Peace—The piety of Abigail, like the fragrance
of a flower, breathed out all unconsciously in face and word and
action. The Spirit of the Son of God was abiding in her soul. Her
speech, seasoned with grace, and full of kindness and peace, shed a
heavenly influence. Better impulses came to David, and he trembled
as he thought what might have been the consequences of his rash
purpose. “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the
children of God.” Matthew 5:9. Would that there were many more
like this woman of Israel, who would soothe the irritated feelings,
prevent rash impulses, and quell great evils by words of calm and
well-directed wisdom.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 667.
Elijah
Clear, Trumpetlike Tones—Looking first upon the broken-
down altar of Jehovah, and then upon the multitude, Elijah cries
out in clear, trumpetlike tones, “How long halt ye between two
opinions?”—Prophets and Kings, 147.
Children of Israel
Responsibility of Parents—God commanded the Hebrews to
teach their children His requirements, and to make them acquainted
with all His dealings with their people. The home and the school
232 The Voice in Speech and Song
[357] were one. In the place of stranger lips, the loving hearts of the father
and mother were to give instruction to their children. Thoughts of
God were associated with all the events of daily life in the home
dwelling. The mighty works of God in the deliverance of His people
were recounted with eloquence and reverential awe. The great truths
of God’s providence and of the future life were impressed on the
young mind. It became acquainted with the true, the good, the
beautiful.
By the use of figures and symbols the lessons given were il-
lustrated, and thus more firmly fixed in the memory. Through this
animated imagery the child was, almost from infancy, initiated into
the mysteries, the wisdom, and the hopes of his fathers, and guided in
a way of thinking and feeling and anticipating, that reached beyond
things seen and transitory, to the unseen and eternal.—Fundamentals
of Christian Education, 95.
The Apostles
Simple, Accurate Speech—The apostles and their associates
were unlettered men, yet through the outpouring of the Spirit on the
day of Pentecost, their speech, whether in their own or a foreign
language, became pure, simple, and accurate, both in word and in
accent.—The Desire of Ages, 821.
Elevated Truths—From this time [Pentecost] forth the language
of the disciples was pure, simple, and accurate in word and accent,
whether they spoke their native tongue or a foreign language. These
humble men, who had never learned in the school of the prophets,
presented truths so elevated and pure as to astonish those who heard
them.—The Story of Redemption, 246.
Chapter 61—Men and Women of the Bible 235
with their teaching, that the truth presented might commend itself to
every man’s conscience.—The Acts of the Apostles, 330.
Boldness and Power—The people were amazed at the boldness
of the disciples. They supposed, because they were ignorant fisher-
men, they would be overcome with embarrassment when confronted
by the priests, scribes, and elders. But they took knowledge that they
had been with Jesus. The apostles spoke as He had spoken, with
a convincing power that silenced their adversaries.—The Story of
Redemption, 252.
Peter
Adaptation to His Audience—With clearness and power Peter
bore witness of the death and resurrection of Christ: “Ye men of
Israel, hear these words: [366]
Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by mir-
acles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst
of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him ... ye have taken, and by
238 The Voice in Speech and Song
wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up,
having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that
He should be holden of it.”
Peter did not refer to the teachings of Christ to prove his position,
because he knew that the prejudice of his hearers was so great that
his words on this subject would be of no effect. Instead, he spoke
to them of David, who was regarded by the Jews as one of the
patriarchs of their nation.—The Acts of the Apostles, 41.
Christ As His Example—This courageous defense appalled the
Jewish leaders. They had supposed that the disciples would be over-
come with fear and confusion when brought before the Sanhedrin.
But instead, these witnesses spoke as Christ had spoken, with a
convincing power that silenced their adversaries. There was no trace
of fear in Peter’s voice as he declared of Christ, “This is the stone
which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head
of the corner.”
Peter here used a figure of speech familiar to the priests.—The
Acts of the Apostles, 63, 64.
Stephen
Defender of Truth—Stephen, the foremost of the seven dea-
cons, was a man of deep piety and broad faith. Though a Jew by
[367] birth, he spoke the Greek language, and was familiar with the cus-
toms and manners of the Greeks. He therefore found opportunity
to preach the gospel in the synagogues of the Greek Jews. He was
very active in the cause of Christ, and boldly proclaimed his faith.
Learned rabbis and doctors of the law engaged in public discussion
with him, confidently expecting an easy victory. But “they were not
able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.” Not only
did he speak in the power of the Holy Spirit, but it was plain that he
was a student of the prophecies, and learned in all matters of the law.
He ably defended the truths that he advocated, and utterly defeated
his opponents.—The Acts of the Apostles, 97.
Clear, Thrilling Voice—When Stephen was questioned as to
the truth of the charges against him, he began his defense in a clear,
thrilling voice, which rang through the council hall. In words that
Chapter 61—Men and Women of the Bible 239
Paul
Instruction From God—Paul did not come to the churches as [368]
an orator or as a scientific philosopher. He did not seek merely to
please the ear by flowery words and phrases. In eloquent simplicity
he proclaimed the things that had been revealed to him. He was
able to speak with power and authority, for he frequently received
instruction from God in vision.—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary
6:1084.
Good Reasoning Powers—He could reason with extraordinary
clearness, and by his withering sarcasm could place an opponent in
no enviable light ... An eloquent speaker and a severe critic, Paul,
with his stern purpose and undaunted courage, possessed the very
qualifications needed in the early church.—The Acts of the Apostles,
124.
His Life an Example—Paul carried with him the atmosphere
of heaven. All who associated with him felt the influence of his
union with Christ. The fact that his own life exemplified the truth
he proclaimed, gave convincing power to his preaching. Here lies
the power of the truth. The unstudied, unconscious influence of a
holy life is the most convincing sermon that can be given in favor of
Christianity. Argument, even when unanswerable, may provoke only
opposition; but a godly example has a power that it is impossible
wholly to resist.—Gospel Workers, 59.
Sensible, Intelligent Appeals—His toil-worn hands, as he pre-
sented them before the people, bore testimony that he was not charge-
able to any man for his support. They detracted nothing, he deemed, [369]
from the force of his pathetic appeals, sensible, intelligent, and elo-
quent beyond those of any other man who had acted a part in the
Christian ministry.—The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 6:1064.
240 The Voice in Speech and Song
hearers to the sacrifice made for the fallen race. He declares that an
infinite price has been paid for man’s redemption....
Thus pleads the advocate of truth. Faithful among the faithless,
loyal among the disloyal, he stands as God’s representative, and his
voice is as a voice from heaven. There is no fear, no sadness, no
discouragement in word or look....
Many who that day looked upon him, “saw his face as it had
been the face of an angel.” Acts 6:15.
Never before had that company listened to words like these.
They struck a chord that vibrated in the hearts of even the most
hardened. Truth, clear and convincing, overthrew error.—The Acts
of the Apostles, 495, 496.
Timothy
Home Instruction—Timothy’s father was a Greek and his
mother a Jewess. From a child he had known the Scriptures. The
piety that he saw in his home life was sound and sensible. The faith
of his mother and his grandmother in the sacred oracles was to him
a constant reminder of the blessing in doing God’s will. The Word
of God was the rule by which these two godly women had guided
Timothy. The spiritual power of the lessons that he had received [378]
from them kept him pure in speech and unsullied by the evil influ-
ences with which he was surrounded. Thus his home instructors had
cooperated with God in preparing him to bear burdens.
Paul saw that Timothy was faithful, steadfast, and true, and he
chose him as a companion in labor and travel. Those who had taught
Timothy in his childhood were rewarded by seeing the son of their
care linked in close fellowship with the great apostle. Timothy was
a mere youth when he was chosen by God to be a teacher; but his
principles had been so established by his early education that he
was fitted to take his place as Paul’s helper. And though young, he
bore his responsibilities with Christian meekness.—The Acts of the
Apostles, 203, 204. [379]
Chapter 62—Medieval Reformers
Wycliffe
Able Teacher and Preacher—He was an able and earnest
teacher, and an eloquent preacher, and his daily life was a demon-
stration of the truths he preached. His knowledge of the Scriptures,
the force of his reasoning, the purity of his life, and his unbend-
ing courage and integrity, won for him general esteem and confi-
dence.—The Great Controversy, 81.
Lack of Fear—Wycliffe appealed from the synod to Parliament;
he fearlessly arraigned the hierarchy before the national council,
and demanded a reform of the enormous abuses sanctioned by the
church. With convincing power he portrayed the usurpations and
corruptions of the papal see.—The Great Controversy, 89.
Fearlessness and Humility—He fearlessly maintained his
teachings, and repelled the accusations of his persecutors. Losing
sight of himself, of his position, of the occasion, he summoned his
[380] hearers before the divine tribunal, and weighed their sophistries and
deceptions in the balances of eternal truth.—The Great Controversy,
90.
Huss
Preacher of God’s Word—But it was in another field that Huss
began the work of reform. Several years after taking priest’s orders
he was appointed preacher of the chapel of Bethlehem. The founder
of this chapel had advocated, as a matter of great importance, the
preaching of the Scriptures in the language of the people. Notwith-
standing Rome’s opposition to this practice, it had not been wholly
discontinued in Bohemia. But there was great ignorance of the Bible,
and the worst vices prevailed among the people of all ranks. These
evils Huss unsparingly denounced, appealing to the Word of God to
enforce the principles of truth and purity which he inculcated.—The
Great Controversy, 99.
246
Chapter 62—Medieval Reformers 247
Jerome
Clarity and Power—The words of Jerome excited astonish-
ment and admiration, even in his enemies. For a whole year he
had been immured in a dungeon, unable to read or even to see,
in great physical suffering and mental anxiety. Yet his arguments
were presented with as much clearness and power as if he had had
undisturbed opportunity for study.—The Great Controversy, 112,
113. [381]
Luther
Deep Fervor—Luther was ordained a priest, and was called
from the cloister to a professorship in the University of Wittenberg.
Here he applied himself to the study of the Scriptures in the original
tongues. He began to lecture upon the Bible; and the book of Psalm,
the Gospels, and the Epistles were opened to the understanding of
crowds of delighted listeners. He was mighty in the Scriptures and
the grace of God rested upon him. His eloquence captivated his
hearers, the clearness and power with which he presented the truth
convinced their understanding, and his deep fervor touched their
hearts.—The Story of Redemption, 341.
Fearless Bearing—The simple energy of his words, his fearless
bearing, his calm, speaking eye, and the unalterable determination
expressed in every word and act made a deep impression upon the
assembly. It was evident that he could not be induced, either by
promises or threats, to yield to the mandate of Rome.
Christ had spoken through Luther’s testimony with a power and
grandeur that for the time inspired both friends and foes with awe
and wonder.—The Story of Redemption, 348.
God’s Chosen Instrument—Luther was God’s chosen instru-
ment to tear off the garb of hypocrisy from the papal church and
expose her corruption. He raised his voice zealously, and in the
power of the Holy Spirit cried out against and rebuked the existing [382]
sins of the leaders of the people.—Testimonies for the Church 1:372.
Calm, Dignified Power—The calm, dignified power of Luther
humbled his enemies, and dealt a most dreadful blow to the pa-
pacy.—Testimonies for the Church 1:373.
248 The Voice in Speech and Song
and persecution, both in the university and as they were entering the
ministry....
As members of the Church of England, they were strongly at-
tached to her forms of worship, but the Lord had presented before
them in His Word a higher standard. The Holy Spirit urged them to
preach Christ and Him crucified. The power of the Highest attended
their labors. Thousands were convicted and truly converted. It was
necessary that these sheep be protected from ravening wolves. Wes-
ley had no thought of forming a new denomination, but he organized
them under what was called the Methodist Connection.—The Great
Controversy, 256, 257.
Gospel of the Grace of God—Thus while preaching the gospel
of the grace of God, [John] Wesley, like his Master, sought to “mag-
nify the law, and make it honorable.” Faithfully did he accomplish
the work given him of God, and glorious were the results which he
was permitted to behold. At the close of his long life of more than
[386] fourscore years—above half a century spent in itinerant ministry—
his avowed adherents numbered more than half a million souls. But
the multitude that through his labors had been lifted from the ruin
and degradation of sin to a higher and a purer life, and the number
who by his teaching had attained to a deeper and richer experience,
will never be known till the whole family of the redeemed shall
be gathered into the kingdom of God. His life presents a lesson
of priceless worth to every Christian. Would that the faith and hu-
mility, the untiring zeal, self-sacrifice, and devotion of this servant
of Christ, might be reflected in the churches of today!—The Great
Controversy, 264.
men who were versed in the Scriptures rather than in the subtleties
of the schools.—The Great Controversy, 455. [387]
Chapter 63—Adventist Pioneers
William Miller
Language of Truth—Mr. Miller’s manner of preaching was not
flowery or oratorical, but he dealt in plain and startling facts that
roused his hearers from their careless indifference. He supported
his statements and theories by Scripture proof as he progressed. A
convincing power attended his words, that seemed to stamp them as
the language of truth....
He was an interesting speaker, and his exhortations, both to pro-
fessed Christians and the impenitent, were appropriate and powerful.
Sometimes a solemnity so marked as to be painful, pervaded his
meetings. A sense of the impending crisis of human events im-
pressed the minds of the listening crowds.—Life Sketches of Ellen
G. White, 27.
James White
Boldness in Acting and Speaking—God should have the glory
for the unbending integrity and noble courage to vindicate the right
and condemn the wrong which my husband has had. Just such firm-
[388] ness and decision were necessary at the commencement of the work,
and they have been needed all along, as it progressed step by step.
He has stood in defense of the truth without yielding a single prin-
ciple to please the best friend. He has had an ardent temperament,
bold and fearless in acting and speaking. This has often led him into
difficulties which he might frequently have avoided. He has been
obliged to stand more firmly, to be more decided, to speak more
earnestly and boldly, because of the very different temperament of
the men connected with him in his labor.—Life Sketches of Ellen G.
White, 243.
Clearness of Mind—After God had tested and proved us in the
furnace of affliction, He raised up my husband and gave him greater
clearness of mind and power of intellect to plan and execute than
252
Chapter 63—Adventist Pioneers 253
he had before his affliction. When my husband felt his own weak-
ness and moved in the fear of God, then the Lord was his strength.
Prompt in speech and action, he has pushed forward reforms where
they would otherwise have languished. He has made very liberal
donations, fearing that his means would prove a snare to him.—Life
Sketches of Ellen G. White, 244.
Precious Light of Truth for Himself—God has permitted
the precious light of truth to shine upon His Word and illumi-
nate the mind of my husband. He may reflect the rays of light
from the presence of Jesus upon others by his preaching and writ-
ing.—Testimonies for the Church 3:502. [389]
Greater Light for Others—I was shown that his relation to
the people of God was similar, in some respects, to that of Moses
to Israel. There were murmurers against Moses, when in adverse
circumstances, and there have been murmurers against him.... He
has also given my husband great light upon Bible subjects, not for
himself alone, but for others. I saw that these things should be
written and talked out, and that new light would continue to shine
upon the Word.—Testimonies for the Church 3:85.
Instrument of God for Reproof—As my husband has stood by
my side to sustain me in my work, and has borne a plain testimony
in unison with the work of the Spirit of God, many have felt that
it was he personally who was injuring them, when it was the Lord
who laid upon him the burden and who was, through His servant,
reproving them and seeking to bring them where they would repent
of their wrongs and have the favor of God.—Testimonies for the
Church 3:261.
Influence of His Writings—My husband has labored untiringly
to bring the publishing interest up to its present state of prosperity.
I saw that he had had more sympathy and love from his brethren
than he has thought he had. They eagerly search the paper to find
something from his pen. If there is a tone of cheerfulness in his
writings, if he speaks encouragingly, their hearts are lightened, and
some even weep with tender feelings of joy. But if gloom and
sadness are expressed, the countenances of his brethren and sisters, [390]
as they read, grow sad, and the spirit which characterizes his writings
is reflected upon them.—Testimonies for the Church 3:96, 97.
254 The Voice in Speech and Song
W. W. Prescott
Source of Success—I know that since coming to this place he
has had the outpouring of the Holy Spirit; his lips have been touched
with a live coal from off the altar. We know and can distinguish the
voice of the True Shepherd. The truth has been poured forth from
the lips of the servant of God as the people had never heard it before;
unbelievers turn pale, and say, “That man is inspired.” The people
do not stroll about the grounds, but go immediately into the tent, and
listen as if spellbound.
Every day some of our workers go out into the suburbs with
[copies of the Bible] Echoes, notices, and invitations to come to the
meeting, where such wonderful things are presented from the Word
of God. The Lord is pouring into the chambers of the mind and
the soul temple fresh light, as precious as gold. I never heard the
Word presented with greater fervency and power. I know it must be
through the constraining power of God upon the human instrument.
It is remarked by many that there is no manner of disturbance upon
the ground. Every time I enter the encampment, I think the angels
[391] of God are here.—Lt 82, 1895.
you how you became a minister. You told them that your friends
said you could never be a minister, because you could not speak
properly; but that you went away by yourself and talked to the trees
in the woods; and then when driving the oxen, you would talk to
them just as if you were in meeting. ‘This,’ you said, ‘is the way I
learned to speak in public. “”—Manuscript 91, 1903.
Divine Aid in Speaking—The following day I was ill, and very
weak. The cold had taken a firm hold on my system. I doubted if
I should be able to speak on the morrow. However, I ventured to
allow the brethren to make an appointment for me to address the
people Sabbath forenoon. I made the Lord my entire dependence;
for I knew that unless He should be my helper, I could not speak
[394] more than a few words. My throat and head were greatly troubled. I
was so hoarse that I could scarcely speak aloud.
Sabbath morning I felt no better. At the appointed hour, I went
over to the chapel, and found it crowded. I feared I should fail, but
began talking. The moment I began to speak, strength was imparted.
I was relieved of hoarseness, and spoke without difficulty for nearly
an hour. My illness seemed to disappear, and my mind was clear.
As soon as I finished speaking, the hoarseness came upon me again,
and I began coughing and sneezing as before.
To me, this experience was a marked evidence of divine
help.—The Review and Herald, July 19, 1906.
Long Sermons by Ellen White—[This entry as well as the
next form part of an impromptu discussion during a talk Ellen White
gave to the General Conference at Lake Goguac, Michigan, July 14,
1890.] Elder Underwood: “Do we preach too long?”
Ellen White: “Yes, indeed; and I, too; I take that right to myself.
I preach too long.”
W. C. White: “Let me ask a question. Are we to take your
example as an exponent of your views?”
Ellen White: “Well, didn’t I just make my confession? And
haven’t I given you an example? I consider myself an exception,
but I think I have ventured too far even in the exception. But I will
tell you why I consider myself an exception. I have been taken by
my husband and carried on the cars and laid on the seat, and I have
[395] gone to a place of meeting and have stood under paralysis that had
been upon me for weeks, so that I have not been able to command
Chapter 63—Adventist Pioneers 257
Elder Corliss said that he had heard me speak under almost every
circumstance for the last forty years but that this was the most pow-
erful discourse he had ever heard me give. I seemed to be lifted up
and away from myself. It was the Lord’s Spirit that came upon me,
and to His name be all the glory. In my next letter to you, I will give
the substance of what was spoken.
After the discourse we spent about one hour in social meeting.
The testimonies borne were excellent, and our meeting closed, leav-
ing a most favorable impression upon the minds of those who were
hesitating at the cross, and wondering how they should make a living
if they accepted the truth.—Lt 28, 1895.
Message About the Fruitless Fig Tree—Afternoon. I have just
returned from the services in the tent. I have spoken twice today,
nearly one hour in the half-past-six morning meeting, and again this
afternoon. I generally speak on Wednesday afternoons because it is
a holiday, but this week I consented to speak on Tuesday because
it is Cup Day.... The tent was full. Extra seats were furnished, and
some had to stand.
I spoke upon the fruitless fig tree, making application of the same
to the churches that bear no fruit. The Lord gave me freedom before
[404] that large assembly. There were present before me noble-looking
countenances, and many, both men and women, wept. None left
their seats, but all listened with most profound attention. The Lord
did give me a message for the people. I know that the Holy Spirit
worked upon minds and hearts. I have never in any of our camp
meetings seen such eagerness to hear the truth.
I have already spoken twelve times above one hour, and several
times short discourses. The Lord’s presence is upon this encamp-
[405] ment, and many hearts are stirred.—Lt 82, 1895.
[406]
[407]
Section 8—Use of the Voice in Singing
Chapter 64—The Power of Song
264
Chapter 64—The Power of Song 265
but these things will not elevate the minds and hearts of those who
witness them.
The very same may be said of singing. You assume undignified
attitudes. You put in all the power and volume of the voice you can.
You drown the finer strains and notes of voices more musical than
your own. This bodily exercise and the harsh, loud voice makes no
melody to those who hear on earth and those who listen in heaven.
This singing is defective and not acceptable to God as perfect, soft-
ened, sweet strains of music. There are no such exhibitions among
the angels as I have sometimes seen in our meetings. Such harsh
notes and gesticulations are not exhibited among the angel choir.
Their singing does not grate upon the ear. It is soft and melodious
and comes without this great effort I have witnessed. It is not forced
and strained, requiring physical exercise. [424]
Brother S is not aware how many are amused and disgusted.
Some cannot repress thoughts not very sacred and feelings of levity
to see the unrefined motions made in the singing. Brother S exhibits
himself. His singing does not have an influence to subdue the heart
and touch the feelings. Many have attended the meetings and listened
to the words of truth spoken from the pulpit, which have convicted
and solemnized their minds; but many times the way the singing
has been conducted has not deepened the impression made. The
demonstrations and bodily contortions, the unpleasant appearance
of the strained, forced effort has appeared so out of place for the
house of God, so comical, that the serious impressions made upon
the minds have been removed. Those who believe the truth are not
as highly thought of as before the singing....
He [Brother S] has thought that singing was about the greatest
thing to be done in this world and that he had a very large and grand
way of doing it.
Your singing is far from pleasing to the angel choir. Imagine
yourself standing in the angel band elevating your shoulders, em-
phasizing the words, motioning your body and putting in the full
volume of your voice. What kind of concert and harmony would
there be with such an exhibition before the angels?
Music is of heavenly origin. There is great power in music. It
was music from the angelic throng that thrilled the hearts of the
shepherds on Bethlehem’s plains and swept round the world. It is in
276 The Voice in Speech and Song
[425] music that our praises rise to Him who is the embodiment of purity
and harmony. It is with music and songs of victory that the redeemed
shall finally enter upon the immortal reward.
There is something peculiarly sacred in the human voice. Its
harmony and its subdued and heaven-inspired pathos exceeds every
musical instrument. Vocal music is one of God’s gifts to men, an
instrument that cannot be surpassed or equaled when God’s love
abounds in the soul. Singing with the spirit and the understanding
also is a great addition to devotional services in the house of God.
How this gift has been debased! When sanctified and refined
it would accomplish great good in breaking down the barriers of
prejudice and hardhearted unbelief, and would be the means of
converting souls. It is not enough to understand the rudiments of
singing, but with the understanding, with the knowledge, must be
such a connection with heaven that angels can sing through us.
Your voice has been heard in church so loud, so harsh, accompa-
nied or set off with your gesticulations not the most graceful, that
the softer and more silvery strains, more like angel music, could not
be heard. You have sung more to men than to God.
As your voice had been elevated in loud strains above all the
congregation, you have been thoughtful of the admiration you were
exciting. You have really had such high ideas of your singing, that
you have had some thoughts that you should be remunerated for the
[426] exercise of this gift.—Manuscript 5, 1874.
Tendency Toward Extremes—Singing should not be allowed
to divert the mind from the hours of devotion. If one must be ne-
glected, let it be the singing. It is one of the great temptations of
the present age to carry the practice of music to extremes, to make
a great deal more of music than of prayer. Many souls have been
ruined here. When the Spirit of God is arousing the conscience and
convicting of sin, Satan suggests a singing exercise or a singing
school, which, being conducted in a light and trifling manner, results
in banishing seriousness, and quenching all desire for the Spirit of
God. Thus the door of the heart, which was about to be opened to
Jesus, is closed and barricaded with pride and stubbornness, in many
cases never again to be opened.
By the temptations attending these singing exercises, many who
were once really converted to the truth have been led to separate
Chapter 67—Wrong Use of the Voice in Music 277
love thrilled his entire being; his soul went out, in harmony with the
sinless worshipers, in love to the Father and the Son.—Patriarchs
and Prophets, 36, 37.
Angel Choir at Jesus’ Birth—Then was the melody of heaven
heard by mortal ears, and the heavenly choir swept back to heaven
as they closed their ever memorable anthem. The light faded away
... but there remained in the hearts of the shepherds the brightest
picture mortal man had ever looked upon, and the blessed promise
and assurance of the advent to our world of the Saviour of men,
which filled their hearts with joy and gladness, mingled with faith [429]
and wondrous love to God.—My Life Today, 363.
Singing at Jesus’ Resurrection—As Jesus came forth from the
sepulcher, those shining angels prostrated themselves to the earth in
worship, and hailed Him with songs of victory and triumph.—Early
Writings, 182.
Redeemed Souls a Subject for Song—The soul redeemed and
cleansed from sin, with all its noble powers dedicated to the service
of God, is of surpassing worth; and there is joy in heaven in the
presence of God and the holy angels over one soul redeemed, a joy
that is expressed in songs of holy triumph.—Steps to Christ, 126.
In Our Homes the Echo of Angel Songs—As our Redeemer
leads us to the threshold of the Infinite, flushed with the glory of
God, we may catch the themes of praise and thanksgiving from the
heavenly choir round about the throne; and as the echo of the angels’
song is awakened in our earthly homes, hearts will be drawn closer
to the heavenly singers. Heaven’s communion begins on earth. We
learn here the keynote of its praise.—Education, 168.
Thanksgiving the Keynote of Heaven—Difficulties will arise
that will try your faith and patience. Face them bravely. Look on the
bright side. If the work is hindered, be sure that it is not your fault,
and then go forward, rejoicing in the Lord. Heaven is full of joy. It
resounds with the praises of Him who made so wonderful a sacrifice [430]
for the redemption of the human race. Should not the church on
earth be full of praise? Should not Christians publish throughout the
world the joy of serving Christ? Those who in heaven join with the
angelic choir in their anthem of praise must learn on earth the song
of heaven, the keynote of which is thanksgiving.—Testimonies for
the Church 7:244.
280 The Voice in Speech and Song
and distinct utterance. Let all take time to cultivate the voice so that
God’s praise can be sung in clear, soft tones, not with harshness and
shrillness that offend the ear. The ability to sing is the gift of God;
let it be used to His glory.—Testimonies for the Church 9:143, 144.
Beauty in Singing Not Everything—Many are singing beauti-
ful songs in the meetings, songs of what they will do, and what they
mean to do; but some do not do these things; they do not sing with
[434] the spirit and the understanding also. So in the reading of the Word
of God, some are not benefited, because they do not take it into their
very life; they do not practice it.—Evangelism, 508.
Hymns for the Occasion—Those who make singing a part of di-
vine worship should select hymns with music appropriate to the occa-
sion, not funeral notes, but cheerful, yet solemn, melodies. The voice
can and should be modulated, softened, and subdued.—Evangelism,
508.
Congregational Hymns—Another matter which should receive
attention, both at our camp meetings and elsewhere, is that of singing.
A minister should not give out hymns to be sung, until it has first
been ascertained that they are familiar to those who sing. A proper
person should be appointed to take charge of this exercise, and it
should be his duty to see that such hymns are selected as can be
sung with the spirit and with the understanding also. Singing is a
part of the worship of God, but in the bungling manner in which
it is often conducted, it is no credit to the truth, and no honor to
God. There should be system and order in this as well as every other
part of the Lord’s work. Organize a company of the best singers,
whose voices can lead the congregation, and then let all who will,
unite with them. Those who sing should make an effort to sing in
harmony; they should devote some time to practice, that they may
employ this talent to the glory of God.—The Review and Herald,
[435] July 24, 1883.
Song Service for Everyone—There should be in the meetings
nothing of a theatrical nature. The singing should not be done by
a few only. All present should be encouraged to join in the song
service. There are those who have a special gift of song, and there
are times when a special message is borne by one singing alone or
by several uniting in song. But the singing is seldom to be done by
a few. The ability to sing is a talent of influence, which God desires
Chapter 69—Song a Part of Worship 283
and faith in the hearts of God’s people, bringing them nearer to the
ever-loving heart of Him in whom all His creatures live.—Patriarchs
and Prophets, 642.
David’s Worship in Song—Daily revelations of the character
and majesty of his Creator filled the young poet’s heart with ado-
ration and rejoicing. In contemplation of God and His works, the [449]
faculties of David’s mind and heart were developing and strengthen-
ing for the work of his after-life. He was daily coming into a more
intimate communion with God. His mind was constantly penetrating
into new depths for fresh themes to inspire his song and to wake the
music of his harp. The rich melody of his voice, poured out upon
the air, echoed from the hills as if responsive to the rejoicing of the
angels’ songs in heaven.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 642.
Music From Heaven for King Saul—In the providence of God,
David, as a skillful performer upon the harp, was brought before the
king. His lofty and Heaven-inspired strains had the desired effect.
The brooding melancholy that had settled like a dark cloud over the
mind of Saul was charmed away.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 643.
Consolation in Music—He [David] had been in the court of the
king, and had seen the responsibilities of royalty. He had discov-
ered some of the temptations that beset the soul of Saul, and had
penetrated some of the mysteries in the character and dealings of
Israel’s first king. He had seen the glory of royalty shadowed with
a dark cloud of sorrow, and he knew that the household of Saul, in
their private life, were far from happy. All these things served to
bring troubled thoughts to him who had been anointed to be king
over Israel. But while he was absorbed in deep meditation, and
harassed by thoughts of anxiety, he turned to his harp, and called
forth strains that elevated his mind to the Author of every good, and [450]
the dark clouds that seemed to shadow the horizon of the future were
dispelled.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 644.
David as Song Leader—The men of Israel followed, with ex-
ultant shouts and songs of rejoicing, a multitude of voices joining in
melody with the sound of musical instruments; “David and all the
house of Israel played before the Lord ... on harps, and on psalteries,
and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.” [See 2 Samuel
6.]—Patriarchs and Prophets, 704, 705.
292 The Voice in Speech and Song
him by the strongest ties of honor and fealty—in what words did
David pour out the feelings of his soul? In the hour of his darkest [452]
trial, David’s heart was stayed upon God, and he sang. [See Psalm
3:1-8.]—Patriarchs and Prophets, 741, 742.
Part of the Sanctuary System—In bringing to the temple the
sacred ark containing the two tables of stone on which were written
by the finger of God the precepts of the Decalogue, Solomon had fol-
lowed the example of his father David. Every six paces he sacrificed.
With singing and with music and with great ceremony, “the priests
brought in the ark of the covenant of the Lord unto his place.”...
As they came out of the inner sanctuary, they took the positions
assigned them. The singers—Levites arrayed in white linen, having
cymbals and psalteries and harps—stood at the east end of the altar,
and with them a hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets.
[See 2 Chronicles 5:7, 12.]—Prophets and Kings, 38, 39.
Songs for the Battle—“Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his
face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem
fell before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. And the Levites, of the
children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood
up to praise the Lord God of Israel with a loud voice on high.”
Early in the morning they rose and went into the wilderness of
Tekoa. As they advanced to the battle, Jehoshaphat said, “Hear me,
O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your
God, so shall ye be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye
prosper.” “And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed
singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness.” [453]
2 Chronicles 20:14-21. These singers went before the army, lifting
their voices in praise to God for the promise of victory.
It was a singular way of going to battle against the enemy’s
army—praising the Lord with singing, and exalting the God of Israel.
This was their battle song. They possessed the beauty of holiness.
If more praising of God were engaged in now, hope and courage
and faith would steadily increase. And would not this strengthen the
hands of the valiant soldiers who today are standing in defense of
truth?—Prophets and Kings, 201, 202.
Nehemiah’s Record of the Levites’ Songs—The Levites, in
their hymn recorded by Nehemiah, sang “Thou, even Thou, art Lord
alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their
294 The Voice in Speech and Song
host, the earth, and all things therein, ... and Thou preservest them
all.” Nehemiah 9:6.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 115.
God’s Care for Israel—And the Levites’ hymn, recorded by
Nehemiah, vividly pictures God’s care for Israel, even during these
years of rejection and banishment: “Thou in Thy manifold mercies
forsookest them not in the wilderness; the pillar of the cloud departed
not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of
fire by night, to show them light, and the way wherein they should go.
Thou gavest also Thy good Spirit to instruct them, and withheldest
not Thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their
[454] thirst. Yea, forty years didst Thou sustain them in the wilderness ....
Their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.” Nehemiah
9:19-21.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 406, 407.
Praise in Ezra’s Day—Then from the assembled throng [dur-
ing the Feast of Trumpets in Ezra’s time after the rebuilding of
Jerusalem’s wall], as they stood with outstretched hands toward
heaven, there arose the song: “Blessed be Thy glorious name, which
is exalted above all blessing and praise. Thou, even Thou, art Lord
alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their
host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that
is therein, and Thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven
worshippeth Thee” [Nehemiah 9:5, 6]. The song of praise ended,
the leaders of the congregation related the history of Israel, showing
how great had been God’s goodness toward them, and how great
their ingratitude.—Prophets and Kings, 666.
Songs on Journeys to Jerusalem—The journey to Jerusalem
[when Jewish families attended the feasts], in the simple, patriarchal
style, amidst the beauty of the springtime, the richness of midsum-
mer, or the ripened glory of autumn, was a delight. With offerings of
gratitude they came, from the man of white hairs to the little child,
to meet with God in His holy habitation. As they journeyed, the
experiences of the past, the stories that both old and young still love
so well, were recounted to the Hebrew children. The songs that had
[455] cheered the wilderness wandering were sung. God’s commandments
were chanted, and, bound up with the blessed influences of nature
and of kindly human association, they were forever fixed in the
memory of many a child and youth.—Education, 42.
Chapter 71—Singing in Israel’s Experience 295
the fountain that at the command of God had gushed from the rock
to quench the thirst of the children of Israel. Then the jubilant
strains rang forth, “The Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song”;
“therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2, 3.—The Desire of Ages, 448, 449.
Song at Jesus’ Triumphal Entry—From the multitudes gath-
[457] ered to attend the Passover, thousands go forth to welcome Jesus.
They greet Him with the waving of palm branches and a burst of
sacred song.—The Desire of Ages, 571.
Praise at the Last Supper—Before leaving the upper chamber,
the Saviour led His disciples in a song of praise. His voice was
heard, not in the strains of some mournful lament, but in the joyful
notes of the Passover hallel. [See Psalm 117.]—The Desire of Ages,
[458] 672.
Chapter 72—Song at Christ’s Resurrection and
Ascension
A marvelous change has come over those who have held fast
their integrity in the very face of death. They have been suddenly
delivered from the dark and terrible tyranny of men transformed to
demons. Their faces, so lately pale, anxious, and haggard, are now
aglow with wonder, faith, and love. Their voices rise in triumphant
song: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though
the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters
thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the
[463] swelling thereof.” Psalm 46:1-3.—The Great Controversy, 638, 639.
Chapter 74—Songs of the Redeemed
beings might have the life that measures with the life of God. The
conflict is over. All tribulation and strife are at an end. Songs of
victory fill all heaven, as the redeemed stand around the throne of
God. All take up the joyful strain, “Worthy is the Lamb that was
slain” and hath redeemed us to God.—The Ministry of Healing, 506,
507.
Song of Moses and the Lamb—This song and the great deliv-
erance which it commemorates, made an impression never to be
effaced from the memory of the Hebrew people. From age to age
[465] it was echoed by the prophets and singers of Israel, testifying that
Jehovah is the strength and deliverance of those who trust in Him.
That song does not belong to the Jewish people alone. It points
forward to the destruction of all the foes of righteousness, and the
final victory of the Israel of God. The prophet of Patmos beholds
the white-robed multitude that “have gotten the victory,” standing
on the “sea of glass mingled with fire,” having “the harps of God.
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song
of the Lamb.” Revelation 15:2, 3.
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory,
for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake.” Psalm 115:1. Such was
the spirit that pervaded Israel’s song of deliverance, and it is the
spirit that should dwell in the hearts of all who love and fear God. In
freeing our souls from the bondage of sin, God has wrought for us a
deliverance greater than that of the Hebrews at the Red Sea. Like
the Hebrew host, we should praise the Lord with heart and soul and
voice for His “wonderful works to the children of men.” Those who
dwell upon God’s great mercies, and are not unmindful of His lesser
gifts will put on the girdle of gladness, and make melody in their
hearts to the Lord.
The daily blessings that we receive from the hand of God, and
above all else the death of Jesus to bring happiness and heaven
within our reach, should be a theme for constant gratitude. What
compassion, what matchless love, has God shown to us, lost sinners,
in connecting us with Himself, to be to Him a peculiar treasure!
[466] What a sacrifice has been made by our Redeemer, that we may be
called children of God! We should praise God for the blessed hope
held out before us in the great plan of redemption, we should praise
Him for the heavenly inheritance, and for His rich promises; praise
Chapter 74—Songs of the Redeemed 303